Helensville’s Youth MP for 2016 named
MP for Helensville John Key, has announced his representative for the next Youth Parliament as Kaipara College’s Bianca Bailey.
Held on 19 and 20 July 2016 in Wellington, Youth Parliament is a biennial opportunity for young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about New Zealand’s democracy. Youth MPs will take part in mock debates in Parliament’s Debating Chamber and will get a chance to have their views heard by MPs, key decision-makers and the general public.
“It is always a difficult choice to pick just one representative when we have so many talented and ambitious young people putting their hand up and applying for this opportunity,” Mr Key says.
As a Youth MP, Bianca will bring a depth of musician talent to Parliament. She is currently the Year 11 Music Captain at Kaipara College and is a keen drummer, competing in the Regional Finals of the Smokefree Rockquest for the past three years. Bianca is a 2015 Play it Strange Finalist and has just won the David Richwhite Lyric Award for her song ‘Flowers’ which will feature on the Lions Foundation SongComp album due out this month.
As well her musical passion Bianca is a student leader, a community volunteer and has just achieved NCEA Level 1 Excellence endorsement prior to sitting her 2015 external exams.
Four young people were interviewed during the selection process and Mr Key said those who put themselves forward should be very proud of their achievements.
“As Prime Minister I frequently meet ambitious young people who make me optimistic for New Zealand’s future. The young people I interviewed as part of this process are talented and outgoing young New Zealanders who will go on to do great things in the future. I look forward to following their successes.”
Mr Key congratulated Bianca on her selection as a representative for Helensville electorate.
“Bianca is a competent and outgoing emerging young leader and she has a lot to offer. I know she will thoroughly enjoy the experience Youth Parliament brings, and I’m looking forward to hosting her in Wellington next year.”