MUNZ YOUTH STAND UP!

BY MAREE GRIFFITHS WELLINGTON BRANCH YOUTH REP

On 21–22 June, I attended the Stand Up (Youth Union Movement) Biennial conference held in Wellington.

Joining me were other Youth members pictured from left to right. Shoko Toyokawa from Nelson, Eruera Henderson from Napier and Liam Williams from New Plymouth.

I would like to thank the Wellington Branch and National Council for allowing me and my comrades the opportunity to attend this conference.

This year’s conference had the theme “A future worth fighting for”. Over the two days we had an opportunity to listen and ask questions to a range of inspiring guest speakers, from grassroots activists to government leaders. We also had the great chance to partake in workshops with our fellow unions.

For me, listening to Grace Millar (Union historian and longstanding member of the Labour History Project) was a highlight. She taught us about some of the most innovative and revolutionary movements in New Zealand’s union history. Listening to Grace talk about what the generations before us have achieved by standing up and fighting for each other was inspirational to say the least.

She reminded us that we cannot let the power that’s been built before us, weaken. We as youth need to step up and help continue an upward trajectory, to fight for what’s right and fair for the present and future members of our unions.

After the two-day hui, I felt empowered and ready to step into action. Not only for our union as a whole but also to represent the youth of MUNZ Wellington branch.

Unfortunately, young workers are often unheard, deprioritized, or not taken seriously. This is a tale as old as time but is particularly acute in our current moment. I will advocate for issues and activities that are particularly relevant to our young workers. I will help them just like the MUNZ Wellington Branch has helped me.

Ka mua, ka muri.

This whakataukī that means “walking backwards into the future” – the idea we should look to the past to inform the future.