Find out about New Zealand’s democracy and influence public decision-making by becoming a Youth Member of Parliament (MP).

The seventh Youth Parliament will be held in the Parliamentary Buildings on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 July 2013.

Youth Parliament 2013 will involve 121 Youth MPs and 10 Youth Press Gallery members. Every MP will select a Youth MP to represent them and their community.

A Youth MP will be someone who is active in their community and passionate about youth issues and politics. They will be confident and able to seek the views, opinions and ideas of their peers and represent these at Youth Parliament.

It is also a unique opportunity for MPs to learn about the important issues affecting young people today as well as understand their aspirations and ideas for our nation’s future.

If you are aged between 16 and 18 (inclusive) and want to be a Youth MP for Youth Parliament 2013, approach your local list or electorate MP – click here to find a list of current MPs, or you can contact the Ministry of Youth Development on beheard@youthparliament.govt.nz

Please note, you can only apply to one MP for the selection process. The selection process for Youth MPs will run from 11 February to 5 April.

For more information visit: youthparliament.govt.nz .