Once every parliamentary term a Youth Parliament is held.  Each MP gets to choose a young person to represent them over a six month period from March to August 2022 with a short stint in Parliament itself.

Applications are currently open for young people aged 16 – 18 years who would like the opportunity to advocate for their communities and debate the issues they are passionate about on a national platform. 120 young people will be selected to be Youth Members of Parliament (MPs). They will have a chance to connect with the MP they represent, engage with peers, work on self-initiated projects and attend Youth Parliament on 19 and 20 July 2022. 

Applications are also invited for young people aged 16 - 24 years who would like to be part of the Youth Press Gallery. Member of the Youth Press Gallery will report on the activities of Youth MPs and have the chance to learn from some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s best political journalists. 

Like New Zealand Parliament, Youth Parliament will benefit from a range of voices, so people with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and identities are encouraged to step forward. Pastoral care will be provided, and accessibility requirements, such as NZSL interpretation/translation, will be provided for.

To find out more and to apply, visit the Youth Parliament 2022 webpage.