Not every high school student can say they have dined with the Prime Minister, but for 17-year-old Maevi Fleming it was a memorable time.
The Roncalli College student – who is the Youth Member of Parliament for Rangitata – was excited earlier this year to learn she had been chosen for the position.
And as part of the three month appointment, concluding at the end of August, included three days at Parliament in Wellington and dinner with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
She was one of just two Youth MPs selected to sit at his table.
Others at the table were Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, European Union ambassador Lawrence Meredith, Ministry of Social Development chief executive officer Debbie Power and her deputy Marama Edwards.
‘‘It was a profound honour to learn from such esteemed leaders, hear their leadership journeys, and gain insights that continue to inspire the way I serve and lead in my community,’’ Maevi said.
‘‘As a youth MP, I learnt about the importance that youth play in the role of the government. Hearing over 80 general debate speeches on issues such as child poverty, mental health, and the cost of living has motivated me to continue to work hard in my community so young people can express both their views and opinions,’’ she said.
Maevi who was raised by a single mum said that experience has lead to her passion to see equitable systems in our country and the proceedings of the youth parliament have motivated her to work for change.
She has a passion for politics and was grateful for the experiences and the chance to represent the voices of rangatahi in from her electorate.
Prior to going to Wellington, she hosted several youth meetings to engage with young people to receive their feedback enabling her to take their concerns to Parliament.
Youth MPs worked in parliamentary working groups. Maevi group explored barriers to learning Te Reo Ma ¯ori and developed solutions with the guidance of experts.
As part of her preparation for the work Maevi sent out a survey on the topic to have data to share with the group in Wellington.
‘‘We presented our findings directly to Honourable Tama Potaka, Minister for Ma ¯ori Development during our time in Wellington,’’ she said.
The first day at Parliament included going through the official aspects of a sitting including its opening.
‘‘A highlight of my time in Wellington was being chosen to deliver the opening speech at the po ¯hiri.
‘‘I spoke about both the excitement of the events ahead, my personal journey and my interest in politics.
‘‘I also delivered a general debate speech the next day on the theme ‘Young people pay the price’, highlighting how cycles of poverty unfairly affect those born into hardship,’’ Maevi said.
She said the knowledge gained from her time as a Youth MP has compelled her to turn to practical actions making a difference in her community and helping those who don’t have the advantages she does.
As the president of Roncalli College Z Club she has lead the club to undertake projects such as a Pink Breakfast, raising over 1500 dollars for the Breast Cancer Foundation, and collecting men’s products, with a goal of 500 of them for Presbyterian Support South Canterbury.
‘‘As a head student at Roncalli College school we hosted a variety concert raising funds for a scholarship to help those from rural, disadvantaged, and isolated communities.
‘‘In my role as a co-founder and leader of Eco Youth SC, I have led a camp to educate our youth on environmental issues and awareness, as well as a debate and multiple meetings where guest speakers came to talk about specialty subject areas,’’ she said.
‘‘I feel incredibly privileged to have represented both Roncalli College and the Rangitata electorate in this experience.
‘‘Youth Parliament has strengthened my commitment to amplifying youth voices and using leadership to create meaningful change, both in our school and the wider community,’’
The inspiration she takes for her parliamentary experience will assist her as she prepares to undertake a double degree Law and Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Canterbury University next year and as she continues to work to change society for the better.
Other parliamentary leaders Maevi meet during her time in Wellington included Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, Chloe Swarbrick, Greg O’Connor, Chris Hipkins, Catherine Wedd, and Barbara Kuriger.
