Opinion: Opportunities to have your say on the issues

Tim Macindoe MP for Hamilton West. Photo / Supplied

Youth Parliament July 2019

Every three years young people from throughout New Zealand have an opportunity to participate in the Youth Parliament in Wellington. I welcome expressions of interest from those who reside in the Hamilton West electorate who would like to represent our constituency at that event on 16 and 17 July next year.

This is an exciting opportunity for young people to experience life as an MP. Youth MPs learn about Parliamentary and government decision-making processes through participating in general and mock legislative debates, sitting on mock select committees and asking Parliamentary questions of Ministers.

I invite those who will be between the ages of 16 and 18 on 19 October 2018 to write to me by 3 October outlining why they would like to be considered for the role of Hamilton West's Youth MP. Please contact the Hamilton West Electorate Office for further details by emailing: macindoe.office@parliament.govt.nz

Te Waka launched

Last week I had the pleasure of joining a wide cross-section of our community at the launch of our region's first economic development agency, Te Waka, Anga Whakamua Waikato.

The two-day summit at Lake Karāpiro saw participants consider a significant number of ideas and projects, with about 20 agreed upon in the final session to guide the next stage of work.

The primary focus was on short,medium-term projects that will have the greatest impact for the Waikato and its people. Discussion was wide-ranging, courteous and enthusiastic, and the arrangements allowed everyone the chance to contribute and exchange ideas.

Congratulations to Dallas Fisher, Chair of Te Waka, and all the organisers. It will be exciting to see some of the initiatives bear fruit for the benefit of current and future Waikato residents in the years ahead.

End of Life Choice Bill Forum

Everyone is welcome at my monthly forums at Café Agora in Frankton. They are public meetings and there is no charge for entry, although attendees are encouraged to support Café Agora's charity of the month by purchasing a hot drink and a muffin when they arrive.

My next forum is likely to be very popular, with David Seymour MP and Dr Jack Havill speaking in support of Mr Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill which is currently before the Justice Select Committee, while Simon O'Connor MP and a palliative care specialist will speak in opposition.

The second half of the meeting will be available for members of the audience to ask questions and briefly express their views.

The event will commence at 10.30am on Friday 14 September at Café Agora. I look forward to seeing you there.