Thames High School Year 12 student Veronica Manning has been elected as the Coromandel representative for Youth Parliament 2016.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says Veronica is a passionate young woman who is in touch with her generation and understands the issues confronting all locals.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson is pleased to announce Thames High School Year 12 student Veronica Manning will represent the electorate as the new Coromandel Youth MP. Photo: Supplied

'I am really honoured to have been chosen as the Coromandel Youth MP,” says Veronica. 'I am looking forward to be an effective representative.”

As part of the selection process, the young candidates were all asked to deliver a three minute speech on a set subject to a panel that included Scott and up to three community representatives.

Scott says he was impressed with the high quality of candidates and overwhelmed by how passionate young people were to represent their community at the Youth Parliament.

'It is also a key opportunity for me as the Member of Parliament for Coromandel to learn more about the important issues affecting our young people today,” he add. 'As well as their aspirations and ideas for moving our nation forward.”

Veronica will join 121 other young people from around the country in Wellington on July 19-20, 2016.

She holds her position from January 25 until July 25, 2016, and during this time she'll be actively engaging with the community to learn concerns and ideas of youth in the Coromandel area.

WHAT IS THE YOUTH PARLIAMENT?

The Youth Parliament is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development and is held once every Parliamentary term.

It was established in 1994 to mark the 20th anniversary of the lowering of the voting age to 18 years.

The aim of the Youth Parliament is to give young New Zealanders the opportunity to gain and understanding of the parliamentary and government decision making process.

It is also an opportunity for MPs to learn about the issues affecting young people today and their aspirations and ideas for moving out nation forward.

For more information about the Youth Parliament visit: www.youthparliament.govt.nz