Bethlehem College student Matt Smalberger's ideas about how to improve youth participation in politics could see him learning about government in Wellington.
He is the regional winner of the Association of Former Members of Parliament essay writing competition, in which entrants were asked to write 1500 words about young people and democracy.

As reward for winning the Bay of Plenty section of the competition, Matt Smalberger was given a parliamentary tie by Tauranga MP Simon Bridges. Photo by Ross Brown.

Matt's essay is now in the national final and while excited to be in the running for the prize to win a trip to Wellington, on which he would visit the Prime Minister's office, watch Parliamentary debate and meet with MPs, he is realistic about his chances.
'I'm so stoked, but I am aware that Tauranga is only small compared to other centres,” says Matt.
His essay is a good one, however, says Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
'I was impressed by the standard and Matt did well with a very strong essay,” says Simon.
Among the ideas suggested by Matt to increase youth participation in politics was the establishment of electorate based student councils.
Membership on these councils would be through schools and they would have regular meetings with constituent MPs to discuss issues of the day.
'I think that student opinions get missed so that gives an output for them,” says Matt.
Matt's essay also discussed how a nationwide political debate competition, public debates and a secondary school tour by MPs would improve youth participation in politics.
This essay is available to read in full on SunLive.co.nz in the ‘Politics' news category.
The winner of the national competition is expected to be known by the end of May.