Youth Parliament 2025
Are you interested in political issues and debate?
Do you want to learn more about how Parliament works?
Do you have ideas that New Zealand needs to hear about?
Youth Parliament might be the amazing opportunity you’ve been looking for.
With 2019 Youth MP Nerida Bateup
Organised by the Ministry of Youth Development, with support from the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Youth Parliament is a unique way for young people to learn first-hand how our Parliament works. Youth Parliament 2025 will be the eleventh New Zealand Youth Parliament event. Occurring only once every three years, Youth Parliament gives you a chance to connect with an MP and work with them to learn more about how their jobs really work. It’s a special opportunity, with youth representatives hand-picked by MPs to represent the best and brightest from communities up and down the country. Up to 143 young New Zealanders will experience Parliament as Youth MPs and Youth Press Gallery members.
The Youth Parliament programme takes place over a four-month tenure period starting Monday 28 April until Friday 29 August 2025 during which my Youth MP will participate in some events in the electorate with me, in my role as Waikato MP.
A two-day Youth Parliament experience is held on the Parliamentary Precinct in Wellington on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 July 2025
Could you be Waikato’s 2025 Youth MP?
I am searching for a young, aspiring, Waikato leader to represent our electorate. I’m looking for someone who is interested in Parliament, has ideas about how we can make New Zealand better and wants to learn more about how they can put those ideas into action. If you have a passion for active community service, have strong views on policy issues, enjoy advocacy and debate, and are keen to have your voice heard, then this could be the experience for you!
Are you the young person who can best represent me and our Waikato electorate?
You must:
- Reside in the Waikato electorate. Enter your address on the Electoral Commissions map to check www.vote.nz/maps/find-your-electorate/
- Be aged 16 – 18 years old (inclusive) as of Friday 28 February 2025
- Be actively engaged with your local community
- Bring a unique perspective to the issues facing our country and our youth
- Commit to attend Youth Parliament on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 July 2025
- Commit to engage in some electorate activities with me, Tim van de Molen, your MP for Waikato, between Monday 28 April to Friday 29 August 2025.
With 2022 Waikato Youth MP Meghana Gaddam
To apply
Step 1
Download and complete the Youth MP 2025 application form here.
Step 2
Please provide the following -
- Your key details including full name, address, phone, email, date of birth, social media links, and school information.
- Tell me about yourself – share your activities, achievements, and aspirations for the future.
- In 500-800 words tell me why you’re the ideal Waikato candidate for Youth Parliament 2025.
Step 3
Include with your application –
· A recent, clear, jpg format photo (or photos) of yourself
· A 3-minute video (or link to video) of you. Outline the issues you most care about.
Step 4
Fill out the online application form linked above and here.
Email your photo, and video (or link) to me at: Tim.vandeMolenMP@parliament.govt.nz
Email your photo, and video (or link) to me at: Tim.vandeMolenMP@parliament.govt.nz
Please include your name in the email subject line.
Applications open: Monday 3 February 2025
Applications close: Friday 28 February 2025
Applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed. The successful Waikato Youth MP will be selected and advised by 31 March 2025.
Please feel welcome to connect with my Parliamentary Service team on 0800 438 846 or by email Tim.vandeMolenMP@parliament.co.nz if you would like additional information.
I look forward to receiving your Waikato Youth MP 2025 application.
Tim van de Molen
MP for Waikato