Aspiring politicians in Tauranga are being given the chance to represent the region in parliament next year – and List MP for New Zealand First Clayton Mitchell is looking for the ideal candidate.

With three MPs representing the region, three locals aged between the 16 and 18 will be handed the opportunity to head to Wellington next year to represent the Bay.

Clayton Mitchell is looking for someone to represent him in Youth Parliament. Photo: File.

Youth Parliament has been held once every parliamentary term since 1994, with the next scheduled on July 19 and 20 next year.

'I'm keen to hear from passionate young people, ready to engage our community and represent them in parliament,” says Clayton.

The selected teenagers will have the chance to debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask questions of ministers.

All Youth MPs will participate in a tenure period which will start in January 2016 and conclude with Youth Parliament in July 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.

Teens interested in representing Clayton can post a one-to-two minute video to his Facebook page: facebook.com/claytonmitchellmp, answering one of two questions:

What is an issue affecting young people that MPs need to take more notice of and why?

How well do you think MPs are tackling issues that are important to young people? Do they need to be doing more?

As part of the application process, applicants must also e-mail Clayton's office at: [email protected] to register their interest.

'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,” adds Clayton.