In a recent meeting, four of the Instep Young Leaders Jack Muir – Tauranga Boys’ College, Penny Doull – Tauranga Girls’ College, Luke Tuhairwe – Bethlehem College and Eva Lynch – Papamoa College, had the opportunity to engage directly with National MPs, Katie Nimon (MP for Napier and Chair of the Education Committee), Sam Uffindell and Tom Rutherford. The group discussed a range of topics that bridged their aspirations with the realities of political life. The meeting was more than just a chance to ask questions; it was a moment for dialogue that illuminated both the students’ and MPs’ perspectives on pressing issues and future opportunities.

The meeting began with a comprehensive overview from the MPs, who shared their insights into the theoretical changes that have shaped the political and educational landscapes over the past six years. They underscored the importance of understanding how these changes impact individuals directly, emphasising the role of the education and workforce select committee in shaping long-term policy decisions. The MPs encouraged students to explore various school choices, options, and pathways to employment, setting the stage for a discussion that would be both reflective and forward-thinking.

As the conversation shifted to student career aspirations, the young leaders shared their ambitions, which ranged from chemical engineering to medicine and law. The MPs listened intently as students discussed their plans for higher education and the scholarships they hoped to secure. The dialogue highlighted the importance of an international perspective in education, and the MPs offered advice on navigating scholarship opportunities and comparing university offerings. The students’ questions revealed a keen interest in how they could bridge their academic goals with real-world applications.

The topic of international education revealed the barriers that NCEA students face when pursuing education abroad, with both MPs and students acknowledging the need for better preparation and support to compete globally. It was agreed that young political party members can shape educational policies, and their involvement can influence opportunities and drive necessary reforms.

The MPs candidly discussed their experiences with managing age perceptions, balancing personal life with their political careers, and the value of diversity in politics. They spoke about how their energy and fresh perspectives contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive political environment.

Local issues, particularly homelessness in Napier, were the next focus of discussion. The MPs shared their thoughts on the complexity of addressing such social problems and the critical need for understanding diverse community needs. They discussed the need for educating and shifting community attitudes, demonstrating the importance of empathy and proactive engagement in resolving local challenges.

The MPs provided a behind-the-scenes look at their responsibilities, illustrating how they act as connectors between various community groups and resolve issues with government agencies. They spoke about the balancing act required to meet different responsibilities while managing community expectations. This glimpse into their daily lives offered the students a deeper appreciation of the role MPs play in advocating for their constituents and driving local initiatives.

As the session ended, the MPs shared their personal journeys through the political landscape, detailing the process of becoming an MP, the initial challenges they faced, and the importance of resilience and continuous learning. They discussed the impact of their work on community goals and the significance of persistence in lobbying for local projects. The students left with a newfound respect for the complexities of political careers and a greater understanding of how their own aspirations might intersect with the broader political landscape.

Instep Young Leader, Eva Lynch, expressed her biggest takeaway. “I realised how incredibly important meaningful community engagement is. MPs rely on local input to shape policies and decisions that affect us all. By speaking up about issues they may not have considered or experienced, each of us can contribute to improving our community. As a secondary school student directly impacted by some of these decisions, it was also really interesting to hear about National’s educational policies and goals.”

The day was a testament to the power of open dialogue and mutual learning. It allowed the Instep Young Leaders to gain valuable insights into the realities of political life while offering the MPs a chance to connect with the next generation of leaders and exchange ideas, experiences, concerns and hear the aspirations of young people in their communities.