By Leon Gray-Lockhart
When the opportunity came up for someone to step into the professional shoes of Taranaki/King Country MP, Shane Ardern for a couple of days, Gareth Power-Gordon (17) thought his feet were more than big enough.
Apparently, so did Mr Ardern who was convinced by Gareth's application for the role of Youth MP and Gareth will be joining 121 other Youth MPs in Parliament for two days in July.
"The selection process was fairly rigorous for these candidates," says Mr Ardern.
"We approached the electorate's secondary school principals and Boards of Trustees asking if they had any students that they thought would be suitable for the Youth MP programme.
"The schools approach the students, willing students submit an essay-style application and MPs then decide who they're going to put forward."
According to Mr Ardern, Gareth presented extremely well.
"He was very articulate, personable, friendly and courteous."
Gareth is glad to be able to participate in the Youth Parliament, regarding it as an important outlet for young people to contribute to issues that affect the country.
"I feel it is important for me to be a Youth MP because I believe that youth need to have an equal voice in how this nation's laws are made."
Because the law affects youth who cannot vote, Gareth believes they should have a chance to have their voices heard and he hopes to be able tov take opinions from people from all walks of life in this electorate and make them heard in Parliament.
"It's not just about issues that face people in Stratford that have to be heard, but the issues that face the entire electorate," continues Gareth.
"These include transport, recreation, health and education."
In the days that the Youth MPs will be at Parliament in the House, they will go through the same process as the House to pass legislation, and according to the Minister of Youth Affairs, Paula Bennett this year's Youth Parliament will focus on a mock 'age of majority bill;' Youth MPs will debate a single lawful age for driving, voting and drinking.
"Youth MPs will also sit on select committees, attend caucus meetings, ask Cabinet Ministers oral questions and engage in legislative and general debate in the Chamber," she says.
While they're there, a Youth Press Gallery will ensure they remain accountable to the public by reporting on what they do as Youth MPs.
"These extremely switched-on young people have been chosen to bring their ideas and their passion for democracy to Parliament," says Ms Bennett.
As he goes through the Youth Parliament process, Mr Ardern will monitor Gareth's progress closely. After the experience, Gareth will report back to Mr Ardern about how he thought he got on.
While not fully decided on what he will do when he leaves school, Gareth is looking forward to maintaining a keen interest in politics, looking to politics as a possible career at some time in the future.
Stratford takes over New Zealand
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