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Student essay competition
As the general election approaches, secondary school students are being challenged to the “run the ruler” over New Zealand’s democracy.
The Association of Former Members of the Parliament of New Zealand has launched an essay competition open to years 12 and 13 students.
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The competition calls on secondary school students to identify the important elements of a successful democracy, explain their value and consider whether they can be improved in New Zealand.
“Democracy underpins New Zealand’s political system,” the association’s President and long-serving Ohariu MP Peter Dunne says.
“But what makes a successful democracy? Do we have the essential components? How could we make our democracy better?
“Secondary school students come to this issue with fresh minds and fresh ideas.
The recent debate on the voting age shows that young people are engaged and thinking about democracy.
“We want to encourage that interest and provide a way for it to be channelled,” Mr Dunne says.
The association runs an essay competition every three years to increase young people’s understanding of how New Zealand’s democracy works and to encourage young people to engage in the political process.
“Essays will be judged on originality, creativity and substance by an independent judging panel,” Mr Dunne says.
“The essay must be the original work of the student and no more than 1500 words.
“We encourage essayists to reference facts or opinions sourced from elsewhere.”
The competition closes on 9 July 2023 – one week into the term break.
A cash prize of $1,000 is awarded to the winner, together with a trip to parliament to see democracy in action.
“This is a great opportunity for students with an interest in democracy, politics, history, social studies or equity to put the figurative ‘pen to paper’ and contribute to the debate on improving democracy in New Zealand,” Mr Dunne says. For more information see the association’s website, https:// afmpnz.org.nz/triennial-essaycompetition/ or email former. members.nz@gmail.com.
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