I’m really excited to be able to name Lincoln High School’s incoming head student, Bobbie Hira, as the 2022 Youth MP for the Selwyn District.

In both her application and interview, I was thoroughly impressed with Bobbie’s connection to young people across the district, her advocacy for youth issues, her commitment to our region, and her drive to make Selwyn as supportive and as inclusive for our rangatahi as possible.

Bobbie clearly has a passion for supporting others and getting involved in our community. Through her sport and kapa haka team work she is deeply connected with other students across Selwyn’s secondary schools.

The 2022 Youth MP programme sees 120 young people from around the country chosen to represent the youth of their respective electorates. The tenure begins in March and runs for six months, and includes a three day experience in parliament where all Youth MPs will take part in parliamentary debates and select committees.

It is an opportunity for youth to identify a local issue impacting on young people that they can advocate change for.