ISSUE
Friday, August 22, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 73
A 17-year-old youth from the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill has been chosen to represent Labour List MP Dr Rajen Prasad for the forthcoming Youth Parliament in July.
He is Rugved Deshpande, the Head Boy at Lynfield College.
Dr Prasad said he was delighted to choose Rugved, who has excellent records academically, in sport, cultural activities and in community involvement.
He is looking forward to Rugved to get out there and engage with the youth in his community and gather their views and represent them in Parliament.
Rugved said he was honoured to have been chosen to represent Dr Prasad as a Youth MP.
“I am pleased to be asked to discuss national issues with other youths from around the country. Hopefully we will bring a different perspective to light.
“One of the things I am concerned about is that many young people are finding it hard to get part- time employment. This is going to be my priority for discussion,” he said.
As well as representing Dr Prasad in Parliament on July 16 and 17, Rugved will hold the title of Youth MP until December 31. During this time he will actively engage with the community to gain understanding of the ideas and concerns of youth in the area.
Youth Parliament, which is held once every three year parliamentary term, gives young New Zealanders the opportunity to gain understanding of the parliamentary processes. It is as close as possible to the real thing.
During the event, Youth MPs will debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask oral questions of Cabinet Ministers. They will also have the opportunity to hear from a panel of MPs to learn about the role of an MP and the many pathways to entering a career in politics.
It will be a significant opportunity for 121 young New Zealanders to gather the views of their peers and bring the youth voice to Parliament.
A 17-year-old youth from the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill has been chosen to represent Labour List MP Dr Rajen Prasad for the forthcoming Youth Parliament in July.
He is Rugved Deshpande, the Head Boy at Lynfield College.
Dr Prasad said he was delighted to choose Rugved, who has excellent...
A 17-year-old youth from the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill has been chosen to represent Labour List MP Dr Rajen Prasad for the forthcoming Youth Parliament in July.
He is Rugved Deshpande, the Head Boy at Lynfield College.
Dr Prasad said he was delighted to choose Rugved, who has excellent records academically, in sport, cultural activities and in community involvement.
He is looking forward to Rugved to get out there and engage with the youth in his community and gather their views and represent them in Parliament.
Rugved said he was honoured to have been chosen to represent Dr Prasad as a Youth MP.
“I am pleased to be asked to discuss national issues with other youths from around the country. Hopefully we will bring a different perspective to light.
“One of the things I am concerned about is that many young people are finding it hard to get part- time employment. This is going to be my priority for discussion,” he said.
As well as representing Dr Prasad in Parliament on July 16 and 17, Rugved will hold the title of Youth MP until December 31. During this time he will actively engage with the community to gain understanding of the ideas and concerns of youth in the area.
Youth Parliament, which is held once every three year parliamentary term, gives young New Zealanders the opportunity to gain understanding of the parliamentary processes. It is as close as possible to the real thing.
During the event, Youth MPs will debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask oral questions of Cabinet Ministers. They will also have the opportunity to hear from a panel of MPs to learn about the role of an MP and the many pathways to entering a career in politics.
It will be a significant opportunity for 121 young New Zealanders to gather the views of their peers and bring the youth voice to Parliament.
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