MEDIA RELEASE 16 July 2013 

The head of State debate is being tackled by Youth Parliament Member Sam Stead.

"The head of State debate is a question of self determination. As a youth aspiring to a career in politics I find it absurd that Kiwis like myself cannot aspire to become the head of State of our nation" said Sam, who is representing National MP Paul Goldsmith and the Epsom electorate at Youth Parliament, which opens today in Wellington.

Sam, a student at Auckland Grammar, will focus his tenure as a Youth MP on the Kiwi head of State debate and civics education.
"I feel it is time for our Government to address the head of State issue and seek the public’s opinion on the debate" continued Sam. "I’m astonished at how little young Kiwis know about how their country works. This makes it much harder to have sensible debate over important issues like the head of State. During my time in Youth Parliament I will support the addition of civics education to the school curriculum."

"It's clear to me that young Kiwis expect to have a greater say in how their country is governed. Many are looking to the future with an independent head of State, one that all Kiwis can aspire to holding. As a Youth MP I want to take part in making that happen" concluded Sam.

NOTES

Youth Parliament is an event that occurs every three years that is run by the Ministry of Youth Development. It brings youth from all around New Zealand for two days on the 16th and 17th of July to debate aand address the issues facing New Zealand currently.

The role of a Youth MP includes visiting schools and community centres in their electorates, sitting on select committees and debating and voting on a mock bill in the chamber of Parliament.

ENDS

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