ABOUT THE EVENT
The New Zealand Model European Union.
What is it?
For the first time in a decade, UN Youth Aotearoa New Zealand is returning to the Northern Hemisphere with the New Zealand Model European Union (NZMEU)! This exciting event will be held in beautiful Ōtautahi Christchurch, at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha - University of Canterbury from 28-31 August 2026 in place of our usual New Zealand Model Parliament.
NZMEU builds on UN Youth’s existing Model United Nations (MUN) structure, introducing new and exciting changes to authentically replicate one of the world’s most fascinating international bodies.
Over this three-day event, participants representing nations of the European Union will work together to craft resolutions and debate amendments. With an exciting array of Committees, workshops, and press programmes, NZMEU provides a unique opportunity to develop public speaking, negotiation, and writing skills, within the setting of one of humanity’s most ambitious international projects.
About UN Youth
UN Youth Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-profit organisation that provides civics education outside the traditional classroom context. Through exciting 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.
The Volunteer Conference Assistant Roles
For NZMEU2026, we are looking for volunteer Conference Assistants (CAs) to ensure a smooth running for all participants and volunteers taking part in the conference. The following roles we are looking for are:
Chair
The Chair runs the committee simulations of the Council of the European Union and the Plenary Sessions of the European Council. Chairs are usually our most experienced CAs, with a wide range of knowledge on how to ensure lively and smooth debate. Chairs also need to be able to confidently lead the team of CAs in their respective committees and plenary sessions.
Clerk
Similar to a Secretary in a Model UN, the Clerk is the “tech guy” of their committees, who receives and clarifies amendments for their committee. Clerks need to be able to work efficiently and effectively with their respective Chair and Special Rapporteurs, and may even have the opportunity to chair their Committee at some point. Clerks must be able to use a computer and Google Workspace, especially Google Docs and Slides, efficiently and with attention to detail.
Special Rapporteur
The Special Rapporteur is the “Human Google” of their Committee. Working with their respective Chair and Clerk, they need to research their committee’s materials beforehand to prioritise what amendments will be debated further. They will also need to search and answer questions participants may have, without reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) software.
Regional Group Facilitator
Our Regional Group Facilitators act as the “form class teachers” of NZMEU2026 and will provide mentorship to our Members of European Parliament (MEPs). In this role, you’ll work in a pair or a small team to manage regional group meetings, run interactive workshops for participants, and ensure the MEPs of your Regional Group feel empowered, safe, and comfortable during NZMEU. Successful applicants will be confident speakers, have strong facilitation and mentoring skills, and a warm, welcoming personality.
Welfare Officer
Our Welfare Officers, led by our Head of Welfare, hold the essential responsibility of supporting the physical and mental health of NZMEU’s participants and volunteers. Welfare Officers, forming our Welfare Team, are required to have a valid First Aid Certificate, and must have the ability to handle sensitive issues, and be approachable for any unwell, stressed, or upset participants and volunteers.
Logistics Officer
Our Logistics Officers keep the NZMEU running smoothly. Their tasks involve setting up catering and managing meal times, directing participants and volunteers around the conference venue, and keeping the venue clean. Logistics Officers, forming our Logistics Team, should have good time management skills and be able to work effectively in a team.
Media Officer
Our Media Officers have an essential role in making our events memorable for NZMEU’s participants and volunteers. Media Officers, forming our Media Team, visit committee rooms and plenary sessions throughout the day, taking photographs of the event and participants, which are then sent to participants after the NZMEU has concluded. Some experience in event photography is desired, but not required.
Māori and Pasifika Peoples’ Liaison
Guided by your Head Māori and Pasifika Peoples’ Liaison, our Māori and Pasifika Peoples’ (MPP) Liaisons are responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for our Māori and Pasifika participants. As the MPP Liaisons team, you will foster a programme that ensures our Māori and Pasifika participants and volunteers are supported and empowered throughout NZMEU2026. This position works closely with the Welfare Team.
Queer Liaison
Guided by your Head Queer Liaison, our Queer Liaisons are responsible for providing a safe and inclusive environment for participants and volunteers of all sexualities and gender identities. The Queer Liaisons Team ensures our queer participants feel supported and empowered to get the most out of NZMEU2026. This position works closely with the Welfare Team.
Accessibility Liaison
Guided by our Head Accessibility Liaison, our Accessibility Liaisons are responsible for identifying and responding to participants and volunteers’ physical and mental needs. Working with the Welfare Team, our Accessibility Liaisons Team work to create an NZMEU2026 where everyone can contribute and succeed with the fullest amount of care and diligence.
If you have any further questions about the role and what they entail, feel free to email 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.