I’d say this was the experience of a lifetime because opportunities like this don't come around very often.

Last year I was awarded the UN Youth Representative and Parliamentary Internship Award on behalf of our local Te Atatu electorate MP The Hon. Phil Twyford. Through this award, I was given the opportunity to accompany Phil from Auckland to Wellington for a week, experiencing the ins and outs of a Member of Parliament’s responsibilities during work.

Once we landed in Wellington, we made our way to Parliament. Within my first hour on-site, I already learnt how assistants operate their daily duties and how vital their roles are within the ever-changing appointments of parliament. I was already eager for what the following day had in store for me. 

Over my one week in Parliament, I met with many MPs, executive assistants, parliament officials, researchers, members of the Whips office, the office of the Clerk and even the Speaker of the House. I had very informative conversations with them all. I would always ask about their entry into politics and seeing different answers between them was interesting to hear.

On a more official note, I attended Select Committee meetings - these play an important role in parliament, examining proposed and past legislation or expenditures as well as the consideration of bills. Finance and Expenditure, Economic Development, and Education and Workforce were the ones that particularly stood out to me. A range of topics and questions were proposed to high-ranking officials within their respective fields. Often topics that I don't usually associate myself with finding particularly interesting were regularly teaching me new things, making me question government decisions or even introducing me to a new perspective that I hadn't heard before. I also had the opportunity to attend The Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson’s Annual Post Budget Q&A Event at the Wellington School of Business and Government. When asked “What is the government doing to keep students in schools by ensuring teachers receive a fair wage?” Grant responded with “The union is currently in negotiations to tackle a wide range of concerns for teachers and I’m sure an agreement will be settled soon.”

Question time was a highlight of my experience in parliament. Seeing how ministers interact with grilling questions and the pure antics of it all, can leave you questioning the integrity of that minister or perhaps seeing their capabilities first-hand.

I, unfortunately, did not have the chance to meet with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. However, the tragic Auckland C.B.D construction site shooting’s happened when I was down in Wellington. I could stand outside the theatrette and see the press conference in real-time.

Overall, my time in parliament was filled with new experiences that I can safely say have better moulded my perception of the political system and environment of New Zealand Politics. During turbulent times in our country, parliament was an educational surrounding to be in. I’d like to acknowledge Ms Hannah Winter and Mr Darren White for nominating me for this position. Also The Hon. Phil Twyford for offering such internships to youth.

By Jayden Kesa.