Find out more information about the NZBPT
Once in every Parliament since 1994, Youth MPs have taken their places in the House of Representatives as members of the Youth Parliament. This event is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development with the cooperation of the Office of the Clerk and the Parliamentary Service. Young people from around New Zealand are chosen by an MP to be their Youth Member of Parliament (a Youth MP). There is a clear connection between the aims of the Youth Parliament and that of the Trust. Both seek to improve the understanding of Parliament by key groups in the community, namely young people and business.
In March 1997, Rt Hon Johnathan Hunt MP proposed to the Board that the Trust should support the Youth Parliament by sponsoring an essay competition among Youth MPs. This was readily agreed to, and the 1997 Youth MPs were invited to submit an essay of around 8000 words reflecting on their time as Youth MPs. The winner was to receive $1000, generously offered by Sir Patrick Goodman, to assist with studies. The Trust held essay competitions for Youth MPs at the 2019 and 2022 Youth Parliaments,.
There were two subjects for Youth MPs to choose for their 2022 essay, which could be delivered in essay, speech, or video format. One asked for their opinion on Parliament's power, and the other asked for ideas on how Parliament and the business community could partner to solve a key issue facing the country. The winner received a $2500 prize, and two runners-up received awards of $2000.