Media Release: Thursday 24 May 2007

Youth Parliament 2007 to have its own Press Gallery

Ten young people from around New Zealand have been given the opportunity to be parliamentary reporters for Youth Parliament 2007 from 8-11 July.

The ten young members will be reporting on the activities of Youth Parliament 2007 and Youth MPs, with the aim of increasing public awareness of the event and of topical youth issues that will be discussed. The Youth Press Gallery aims to operate as realistically as possible to the actual Parliamentary Press Gallery.

The Ministry of Youth Development Communications Advisor, Adam Kearney, says there is an exciting mix of people with diverse skill-sets making up the gallery.

“We have three young journalists who have already started their journalism careers, two students studying journalism at tertiary level, four high school students and one young person on their gap year.

“We want to make the whole experience as realistic as possible for the ten young people and the best way to do this is by ensuring that the stories they produce are published live in the media.

“A number of mainstream, community and youth media organisations have already agreed to publish material and we are looking to build on this list,” says Adam.

During Youth Parliament 2007, the Youth Press Gallery will be mentored by key political journalists who will offer them their advice, expertise and experiences. They will also be able to provide hints and tips on how to best report on the event.

Profiles of the ten Youth Press Gallery members can be found here

Youth Parliament is about showcasing Parliament to the young people of New Zealand. It will give young people, the future of New Zealand, a sense of citizenship and motivation to be engaged in our electoral processes. It is the fifth time the event has been held in New Zealand.

Youth Parliament is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development on behalf of the Minister of Youth Affairs, and in consultation with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and New Zealand’s 121 MPs.

ENDS

The Youth Press Gallery for Youth Parliament 2007 is:

Kimberley de Leijer – 20 year-old from Christchurch
Ngawai Matthews – 18 year-old from Stratford.
John Hartevelt – 23 year-old from Christchurch
Storme Sen – 17 year-old from Hamilton
Sarah Harvey – 22 year-old from Dunedin
Danielle Duffield – 17 year-old from Auckland
Lose Siaki – 16-year-old from Auckland
Antonia Anisy – 17 year-old from Masterton
Rebekah Lyell – 21 year-old from Auckland
Greg Stack – 22 year-old from Hamilton

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