Youth MPs are being sought for Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty electorates to attend Youth Parliament next year during parliament's recess in July.

If you're curious about how parliament works, or fancy a future in politics, this is your chance to have your voice heard and to experience first-hand how the decisions that impact all of New Zealand are made.

Simon Bridges (left) and Todd Muller are looking for young people interested in becoming Youth MPs. Photo: File.

Local MPs Simon Bridges and Todd Muller are inviting young people to apply to represent Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty in Wellington.

The successful applicant will join 120 other youth MPs selected to engage with and represent their community from January 2016 – and put your experience to practice at Youth Parliament to be held on July 19-20, 2016.

Nominations open today to mark International Youth Day.

Entrants must write an essay of 800 words to enter, answering the question: 'What inspires young people to get involved with politics today?”

'We want to hear from young people who are willing to get out and engage with youth in their community, to gather their views and represent them in parliament,” say Simon and Todd.

Youth Parliament 2016 is a one-in-three year opportunity for young New Zealanders to share their views and the views of their peers with the country's decision-makers.

The Youth Parliament gives young people the opportunity to understand and participate in parliament and the decision-making process.

Nominated Youth MPs hold the title from January 25 to July 25, 2016. They are expected to engage with their community during this time, so all New Zealand youth have the opportunity to have their voices heard.

Anyone interested in becoming the Youth MP for Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga, or Todd Muller, MP for Bay of Plenty, should contact: [email protected]

Alternatively, you can contact Simon Bridges' office via: [email protected] or Todd Muller via: [email protected]