Strong Response From Mangere’s Young to Compete for Role As Youth MP

16 March 2010

Media Statement
Mangere Youth MP Nominations Close

Nominations for the Mangere Youth MP position closed yesterday and a total of 15 young men and women living in Mangere and attending local schools including Mangere College, De La Salle, Seventh Day Adventist High School, Aorere College, Onehunga and McAuley High have applied.

Labour MP for Mangere, Su’a William Sio says he’s excited by the number & strength of young people that have applied.

“It takes a lot of courage and personal belief to put yourself forward to be scrutinised by others for public office and I’m pleased we have a strong group of contenders,” says Su’a William Sio.

“Personally, I’m proud of the 15 individuals that have come forward, and it makes me very confident about the future leadership that have stepped forward now.”

Final selection will take place on Monday 22 March 5-7pm at Nga Tapuwae Hall, Mangere, where a Selection Panel will listen to each student give a speech to a public audience.

The Mangere MP says parents, families and supporters are all invited to attend and would like to encourage the community to support and get behind our young future leaders of tomorrow.

“This will be a valuable opportunity for these young people to experience a real live political selection process, if they chose this career pathway,” says Su’a William Sio.

The Youth MP for Mangere will attend Youth Parliament on 6-7 July 2010 in Wellington and will experience the day to day operations of Parliamentary Select Committee work, Parliamentary debates, and will get a glimpse of what its like to work as a Member of Parliament.

The Selection Panel will involve school prefects or leaders from the participating schools.

Ends.