De La Salle student says Youth Parliament was powerful, frustrating

Selected by Māngere MP Lemauga Lydia Sosene, 16-year-old Marques was one of 143 young people from across Aotearoa New Zealand to experience the political process, learn about Government and represent their communities. Some joined a Youth Press Gallery.

After participating in debates and questioning ministers, Marques said the experience was powerful and frustrating, reflecting the promise and persistent gaps for Pasifika youth in politics.

“Something that I wanted to make sure of whilst I was at Parliament was that I didn’t come as an individual,” he said. “I came as the representative of not only my MP . . ., but also my Māngere community, the voices of Māngere youth, Pasifika as a whole and South Auckland.

“Walking around, people would ask me where I’m from, and when I said South Auckland, Māngere, they’d ask, ‘Where’s that?’ It shows we’re still unknown and underrepresented.”

Despite New Zealand having its most diverse Parliament to date, Marques said Pasifika priorities remained low on the agenda. Young people are increasingly frustrated by being excluded from decisions that directly affect them.

On the question of race-based scholarships, Marques argued for equity, not equality.

“Look at the stats: Māori and Pasifika are at the bottom for NCEA pass rates, retention and university entry. These scholarships exist to give us opportunities we’re not given otherwise,” he said.

Tasi Poumale, McAuley High School teacher and community leader, suggested that local councils should prioritise civic education to encourage more young Pasifika people to vote, engage and raise their voices.

Media coverage of the Youth Parliament focused on debate over accusations of censorship of Youth MP speeches by officials. The Ministry of Youth Development said it was long-standing practice to review speeches and suggest changes. But it was later clarified that speech content was up to Youth MPs. The Ministry apologised for confusion in communications.

FULL STORY

Youth MP wants to see Pasifika voices in politics amplified (By Mary Afemata/Radio New Zealand)

E-mail to Youth MPs ‘could have been clearer’ – Ministry (Radio New Zealand)

New Mangere Youth MP – Marques Tominiko – De La Salle College (De La Salle College)

Youth Parliament 2025 – MYD (Ministry of Youth Development)