Ben Sokimi is not your average 16-year-old. Made with funding from NZ On Air.
Tauranga student Ben Sokimi will be Simon Bridges' representative at Youth Parliament in 2019.
The Aquinas College student will join 120 Youth MPs from throughout the country as part of Youth Parliament in Wellington on July 16 to 17 next year.
"I was impressed with the high quality of applicationsreceived and overwhelmed by how passionate young people are to represent their community at Youth Parliament 2019," Bridges said.
Youth MPs will learn about the government decision-making process and share the views of New Zealand youth with the country's decision makers.
They will have the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of an MP for two days while they sit on select committees, ask oral questions of Ministers and debate legislation.
As well as representing the Tauranga Electorate at Youth Parliament in July, Ben will actively engage with the community to gain an understanding of the ideas and concerns of youth in the area.
Youth Parliament 2019 is also an opportunity for all young people to have their voice heard in Parliament.
All young people can share their views on the Youth Parliament select committee topics.
To find out how, contact the Ministry of Youth Development at beheard@youthparliament.govt.nz
Youth Parliament is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Clerk, the Parliamentary Service and New Zealand's 120 Members of Parliament.
