NEWS
6 Hauraki-Coromandel Post
hcpost.news | Thursday, July 10, 2025
OPINION Last week the parliamentary precinct played host to 123 Youth MPs from across New Zealand who were participating in Youth Parliament 2025. This happens once every parliamentary term and it gives young New Zealanders a chance to experience the daily ins and outs of our political system. The Coromandel electorate was represented by Isabella White from Mercury Bay Area School, who was selected as my Youth MP earlier in the year. Alongside her fellow Youth MPs, Isabella was tasked with conducting the business of parliament as if she was a Member of Parliament. That meant sitting on select committees, preparing and participating in general debates, and taking questions from the parliamentary press gallery. I spent some time in Wellington during the event and it was inspiring to see the enthusiasm with which the participants were performing their roles. There was a definite sense that these youth representatives are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and the wider country.
Isabella acquitted herself particularly well when she spoke in the general debate about combating sexual violence in New Zealand. She was confident, articulate, and passionate. Once she had finished, her fellow Youth MPs rose to their feet for a standing ovation and everyone was left with a clear challenge to take more action and responsibility to halt sexual violence directed at women. All in all, Youth Parliament 2025 was a terrific showcase of the next generation of potential leaders and I came away very optimistic about the future of our country. When the opportunity comes around again in the next parliamentary term, I strongly encourage those eligible to apply to be a Youth MP. In other news, the Government is introducing new offences to ensure those who assault on-duty first responders or prison officers spend longer in prison. The new proposed sentences expand an existing provision on assaulting Police to cover all first responders and prison officers, and increase maximum sentences for assaulting and/ or injuring them with intent to
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Scott Simpson with Coromandel Youth MP Isabella White.
to restore real consequences for crime, and restore law and order. Scott Simpson MP for Coromandel
them while they’re carrying out this work puts multiple lives at risk, and there must be greater consequences for those acts of violence. These new proposed sentences are part of our plan
injure by two years. First responders and prison officers put themselves in dangerous situations to provide urgent assistance to people in need. Assaulting
Authorised by Scott Simpson MP, 614 Pollen St, Thames
COTTAGES AVAILABLE SOON
Located close to the township of Waihi, Waihi Lifecare Village is one of the region’s most idyllic yet affordable lifecare villages.
Our co�ages are set in a peaceful, rural se�ng with extensive lawn and garden areas which celebrate the heritage of the site. The village offers a range of one and two bedroom co�ages as well as a 65 bed care facility providing resthome and hospital level care for con�nuity of care. We have co�ages available soon so please contact us for more informa�on or to book a viewing. We look forward to hearing from you.
Caring for the community since 1902
021 026 69258 | 18 Toomey Street, Waihi | steven@lifecaregroup.co.nz | waihilifecare.co.nz
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online