Youth Parliament 2025

Thursday, 26th June 2025 at 1:45pm

YOUTH PARLIAMENT 2025:

Two up-and-coming political figures from our Green Bay High School student body are about to make their mark in Parliament.

Adi Shirlal (Year 13) and Gayle Bain (Year 12) are flying to Wellington next week, with the 2025 Youth Parliament contingency.

As Youth MP representatives for the New Lynn electorate, Adi and Gayle have spent the past few months extending their leadership skills while learning how to influence decision-making and having their voices heard about issues important to them.

During the Youth Parliament, Adi will be giving a speech on improving youth engagement and investing in primary education. He is also part of a group discussing genetic technology management. Gayle’s speech is regarding social economics. She is also part of an online safety group discussion. “Although both topics are important,” added Gayle, “I would have really loved the opportunity to be discussing pay equity.”

Gayle will also be asking what the government is doing to support vulnerable rangatahi who want to work, but are unable to due to difficult circumstances outside of their control such as precarious housing or mental health issues, and how do the sanctions recently introduced by the government support these young people to begin their journeys into adulthood?

Adi and Gayle both stood out from other potential candidates in their applications as Youth MP representatives for the New Lynn electorate earlier this year.

Adi was selected to represent MP Paulo Garcia, who said in a video posted to his Facebook and Instagram that he chose Adi “because of his commitment to helping others” which he does by volunteering “at the RSA and with the elderly at Avondale Lifecare retirement home. He’s also a leader in the Cadets and at his high school.”

Gayle was selected by MP Deborah Russell, who said in a letter to Principal Fiona Barker, that she was impressed by Gayle’s level of analysis and her clear presentation of the pay equity for women issue. Gayle has been engaged in discussing issues with other Youth MPs via online discussions and is enjoying the interaction with them.

Every three years, the Ministry of Youth Development provides an opportunity for teenagers aged between 16 - 18 to step into the shoes of an MP.

Perhaps you may see Adi and Gayle on political billboards, asking for YOUR vote one day?