ABOUT THE EVENT
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.
Head Volunteer Roles
Head Volunteers support the Organising Committee by leading teams of volunteers throughout NZMEU2026. The Organising Committee is looking for passionate volunteers to fill the following roles, within applications closing on 9th July
Head of Welfare
The Head of Welfare oversees the NZMEU2026 Welfare Team and is responsible for supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of both participants and volunteers. The Head of Welfare is a crucial role for the conference, with previous welfare and safeguarding experience, and a valid First Aid Certificate, being preferred.
Before the conference, you will work closely with the Organising Committee to develop a Comprehensive Welfare Plan and train your team. This role offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on everyone attending NZMEU2026.
Head Māori and Pasifika Peoples’ Liaison
The Head Māori and Pasifika Peoples’ Liaison oversees the Māori and Pasifika Peoples’ Liaison programme, and is responsible for helping ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for our Tangata Whenua and Tangata Moana participants.
Working with your MPP Liaisons Team and the Organising Committee, you will foster a programme that supports our Māori and Pasifika participants and ensures that they are well-supported and well-empowered throughout NZMEU2026.
Head Queer Liaison
The Head Queer Liaison oversees the Queer Liaison Programme and works alongside the Welfare Team and Liaisons Volunteers to provide a safe and inclusive environment for participants of all sexualities and gender identities.
Through creating and fostering a welcome atmosphere and sense of community, you will help ensure our queer participants feel supported and empowered to get the most out of NZMEU2026.
Head Accessibility Liaison
The Head Accessibility Liaison works with the Welfare Team and Accessibility Liaisons Volunteers to help create a conference environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.
Through communicating with participants before and during the conference, you will help identify and respond to participants’ physical and mental needs, ensuring NZMEU2026 is as accessible and inclusive as possible.
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.