ABOUT THE EVENT
What is NZMP?
New Zealand Model Parliament (NZMP) is an exciting three-day event for high school students to experience the inner workings of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliamentary system. Immersing students into a realistic simulation of New Zealand’s Parliament, participants are assigned to political parties and engage in activities such as debating legislation, forming coalitions, and participating in select committees. The event also includes workshops with political experts and guest speakers, providing insights into civic engagement and the legislative process.
What Can I Expect from the Conference?
Members of Parliament (MPs)
As a Member of Parliament, you will be assigned a political party and an electorate to represent. Your role will involve advocating for your party’s platform while also engaging with the views and concerns of your constituents. You'll work within a caucus to debate legislation, participate in select committees, and navigate the nuances of coalition building. Through this, you’ll gain insight into how laws are made and the complex balancing act of party loyalty, policy priorities, and compromise.
MPs will also take part in tailored workshops and simulations that explore real-life political processes—such as drafting amendments and participating in a live policy negotiation.
Press Representatives
In this role, you will be assigned a media outlet to represent, such as The Spinoff or RNZ. Press is an integral part of our democracy, as it holds our politicians and the decisions they make to account. The media has always held an essential role in conveying information and heavily influences how much bias is portrayed in the news. Your role allows you to question Members of Parliament and contribute to a daily newsletter about what goes on in the House. You'll also get to run the NZMP press conferences and engage in some hands-on investigative journalism.
Select Committee Topics:
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Security:
Interested in diplomacy, global cooperation, or Aotearoa’s role in the Pacific? This committee explores the forces shaping New Zealand’s international relationships and regional influence. You’ll grapple with topics like defence partnerships, trade deals, and disaster response coordination. Perfect for future diplomats, strategists, and anyone curious about the world beyond our shores.
Cabinet, Justice and Governance:
If you’ve ever wondered how decisions are made at the highest levels of government, this is your space. This role looks at the legal system, constitutional processes, and the inner workings of Cabinet. You'll explore how justice is delivered and how the machinery of government upholds—or fails—our democratic values. Ideal for future lawyers, policy analysts, or political leaders.
Social Development :
From public health to housing and income support, this committee tackles the systems designed to care for our people. You'll debate how the government should respond to inequality, mental health, housing pressures, and access to essential services. A space for those who care deeply about equity, wellbeing, and a fairer Aotearoa.
Urban Transport and Development:
How do we design cities that work for everyone? This committee dives into the pressing challenges of urban growth, infrastructure, and accessibility. Expect big conversations around public transport, housing density, and how policy can shape more sustainable and inclusive communities. Great for future urban planners, engineers, or climate-minded changemakers.
Environment:
Passionate about tackling the climate crisis or protecting Aotearoa’s natural beauty? In this committee, you’ll discuss environmental policy, climate adaptation, biodiversity, and land use. With questions spanning local impact and global responsibility, this space is perfect for eco-conscious thinkers and future environmental leaders.
Education:
What kind of education system do we need for the future? This committee takes on curriculum reform, equity in learning, tertiary access, and digital literacy. Whether you’ve loved or struggled with school, your voice matters here. It’s ideal for those who want to shape how knowledge is shared and futures are built.
Economics:
How should New Zealand manage its money? This committee explores taxation, welfare, government spending, and economic resilience. You’ll learn how fiscal policy affects everyday lives and the trade-offs politicians face in budgeting. Great for aspiring economists, investors, or anyone who’s ever questioned where their tax dollars go.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]
ABOUT UN YOUTH
UN Youth is a non-profit organisation that provides civics education outside the traditional classroom context. Through fun workshops and conferences, we engage youth in the most pressing affairs of their country and the international community. Our goal is to inspire young New Zealanders to be active, global citizens. Global citizenship exists in an incredibly diverse range of forms, and UN Youth provides opportunities for delegates to develop their own form of active citizenship. Throughout Aotearoa, our work equips young people to become informed, engaged, and critical New Zealanders who understand their global context and the connections between the local and the global. Annually, over 3000 young New Zealanders from Northland to Southland attend a UN Youth event, run by a body of over 150 volunteers across the country who dedicate many hours of their time to engaging young people and growing the organisation.