Karamu High School Head Boy selected as Tukituki Youth MP
Keelan Heesterman is no stranger to representing his community and generation, now the 18-year-old is taking on the role of Youth MP for the Tukituki electorate.
The Karamu High School Head Boy and Chair at the Hastings Youth Council will be one of 120 Youth Members of Parliament (MPs) who will have the opportunity to advocate for their communities and debate the issues they are passionate about on a national platform.
Tukituki MP Anna Lorck says she is thrilled to announce Heesterman as her Youth MP, who was chosen from an impressive candidate lineup.
"He will be an excellent representative for Hastings and the electorate because he’s well across local issues for young people living here," Lorck says.
She first met Keelan when he interviewed her during the general election for Hastings Youth Council’s ‘meet the candidates on social media.
“He was very sharp then, asking me lots of questions. He’s very keen to help support ways to engage youth in policymaking and processes," she says.
Heesterman says he is “stoked” to have been selected for the role - a process that included a video pitch and interview on matters for youth and ways to support young people living in the region.
“I’m really passionate about politics and I have a real grasp of what young people in our region need and I’m looking forward to learning more about being an MP”.
“Growing up here, I know the region really well and being part of the Hastings Youth Council has only strengthened my knowledge”.
Both Lorck and Heesterman share a similar determination for achieving affordable and improved access to gaining a driver’s license.
“There is a review into the progressive system coming up in the New Year, which we are keen to see real engagement on with young people across Hawke’s Bay’s community”.
Youth Parliament is an opportunity for 141 young people from across Aotearoa New Zealand to experience the political process and learn how government works. It is run in partnership by the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Ministry of Youth Development – Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi.
The Youth Parliament 2022 programme will run from 1 March to 31 August, with the two-day event taking place on 19 and 20 July in the parliamentary precinct in Wellington. The six-month programme allows young people from around Aotearoa New Zealand to actively work and be heard on topics and issues they are passionate about.
