Seventeen-year-old Seb Booth says experience as a member of the Youth Parliament Youth Press Gallery team was ‘‘absolutely amazing’’.
The Methven teen was one of 20 youth, aged between 16 and 24, chosen nationwide to form the press gallery, for four months, from May to August.
He said it was intense few months, especially three days spent in Wellington, at the end of June.
His role included writing articles, taking minutes, producing newsletters and reporting on a working group with Youth Members of Parliament.
Groups had to discuss issues, investigate community reaction, research, consider policies and what could be changed to give a good outcome.
His working group, which looked at retirement, spent time with fiance minister Nicola Wills, and with the retirement commissioners.
They ‘‘went really well,’’ Seb said.
On day one in Wellington, youth were given an orientation tour of Parliament and a visit to Te Papa to view the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).
Day two was the official opening with many of the ceremonial parts from the opening of parliament enacted.
Youth MPs sat in the house, while members of the youth press team sat in the press gallery.
Youth MPs made their speeches and a general debate took place.
As is often the case in Parliament some members of the opposition walked out, Seb said.
One of the youth MPs delivered a speech claiming certain communities receive “special treatment” because of their identities, specifically mentioning Ma ¯ori, Pasifika and Rainbow groups.
‘‘The youth MP argued people should be recognised for individual qualities rather than their identities.
‘‘The speech sparked controversy around the house, leading various Youth MPs to walk out in protest,‘‘ Seb said.
‘‘The Speaker did remind Youth MPs to respect differing views, many felt the speech was disrespectful to these communities.’’
Seb said some said the claim of special treatment overlooked the systemic discrimination the groups faced, which implies their success was based on identity rather than merit.
Seb said James Meager, Member of Parliament for Rangitata, wasn’t present at the time of the walk out, had said the situation was “quite sad,” noting that Youth Parliament rules prohibited MPs from walking out simply because they disagreed.
He said it aimed to expose participants to a range of opinions while remaining nonpartisan, Seb said.
Seb’s third day in Wellington was the presentation from the work groups, general debate and question time.
One of the experiences that stood out for him was working ‘‘on the tiles’’ and as they did politicians were passing by.
He said he enjoyed working with Meager, and a highlight was having dinners with Green party members, and Greg O’Connor.
‘‘It was surreal talking to these people, having conversations about conservation,’’ he said.
‘‘They are just normal people, with their own lives, doing their jobs,’’
Seb enjoyed his experience but also found he needed to juggle school, other commitments and the role.
‘‘Mentally, the time at Parliament was a bit of challenge, but also great,’’ he said.
Among those challenges as a media representative was to be unbiased and report on facts, not his own opinion.
Seb now plans to go to university next year majoring in marketing and minoring in media and film.
A move heightened by an offer now of an internship with Snowfed.
‘‘I would definitely encourage anyone the next time this offered to apply, its such a great opportunity,’’ Seb said.
‘‘The whole experience of being part of the press team was enjoyable and reinforced and confirmed that the media is where I want to work,’’ he said.
