On Friday 21 March, Southland Boys’ High School was privileged to host the ‘Aotearoa Youth Declaration’, formerly referred to as the Model United Nations.

Report by William Paris, Debating Captain 2025 

This event involved students participating in policy planning in a New Zealand context and the development of policies that specifically concern young people. 

The day was introduced by the Honourable Penny Simmonds - MP for Invercargill and Minster for the Environment, Minster for Vocational Education, and Associate Minster for Social Development. It was very interesting to hear about the current issues in Southland that are part of her portfolios. It was also a fabulous opportunity for students to ask questions of a Minister of Parliament. 

Students from schools from around Southland worked in groups and discussed issues regarding young people in Southland and the possible solutions to these issues. 

Issues discussed ranged from education and the environment to social issues and economic development.   

The day concluded with written summaries of the issues and solutions discussed by groups. These will then be collated with the other regions around the country. 

Once again, thank you Penny Simmonds for giving up her time to speak with us, and to the Model United Nations Society of Otago University for their organisation. This was the first time that this event has been held in Southland, and we appreciated having the opportunity to have our voices heard about issues concerning young people, and then learning how to develop a policy and think about how to solve these issues.