Paekakariki Youth Chosen
for Parliamentary Duty
By Helen Tristram March 27, 2010
Paekakariki resident Jack McDonald has been selected by Green MP Sue Kedgley as her Youth MP for 2010.Youth MPs get to assist an MP with their parliamentary work in July and have the chance to take part in select committees and debate legislation in the House of Representatives.
Ms Kedgley chose Jack for his passion for environmental issues, his leadership qualities and his outstanding public speaking ability.
Despite his young age Jack has already shown himself to be a natural leader,” Ms Kedgley says.
He is currently a member of the Kapiti Coast District Youth Council and on the Kapiti College Board of Trustees as the student representative.
He is also an active member of the Mana Greens. He was recently elected as the Te Roopu Pounamu representative on the Young Greens Executive.
Jack has also developed his speaking skills by twice representing the Wellington region at the national Nga Manu Korero Speech competitions and is a member of the debating team at his college.
He also spoke recently at a public meeting opposing a motorway through Kapiti, which Ms Kedgley also spoke at.
“Jack gave a passionate and brilliant speech and got an ovation for it. I was so impressed that a 16 year old could speak with such passion and intelligence,” she says.
“I am honoured to have Jack represent me as my Youth MP and I am sure he will stand out amongst all the Youth MP’s,” Ms Kedgley said.
“I am looking forward to working with Jack and showing him a slice of parliamentary life. I intend to continue working with him on the transport issues the Kapiti area is facing.”
Congratulations to Jack and Sue for selecting him. Young people like Jack are the leaders of the future and would do a better job of running the country than the leaders we have now.