Talented students from throughout the country will represent their electorates at a four day Youth Parliament in Wellington in July. Youth Parliament is held once every Parliamentary term and provides young New Zealanders with the opportunity to learn about democracy, decision making and how parliament works. Tamaki MP Allan Peachey asked each secondary school in the electorate to nominate a pupil. From a short list of three Mr Peachey selected Vainga Pahulu from Tamaki College to travel down to Wellington to represent Tamaki.

The 17 year old Tongan said that it will be a great experience as she has had a passion for politics since she was 11.

“Attending Youth Parliament will make a dream come true,” said Pahulu.

“I really love the Tamaki area. I have been to several Auckland City Council and Tamaki District Community Board meetings and I have seen the changes needed and wanted in the area,” she added.

Mr Peachey said he is pleased to have a student of Pahulu’s calibre representing the youth of the Tamaki electorate.

“Vainga is a prefect and the student trustee on the school’s board of trustees and has excellent communication and presentation skills. She has her sights set on a career in politics and obtaining a degree in law and political studies and this stint in parliament will be of considerable benefit to her,” said Mr Peachey.

The event has been held every three or four years since 1994. This will be New Zealand’s sixth Youth Parliament.