Application Open for Rito, Parliament's Youth Reference Group
The Parliamentary Engagement team are excited to announce that applications are now open for Rito o te Pāremata 2023 – Parliament’s youth reference group.
Introducing Rito o te Pāremata – Parliament’s youth reference group
Our name - Rito o te Pāremata
‘Rito’ is the name for the new shoots in harakeke flax. Harakeke grow new shoots from the middle of the plant, protected by the more mature leaves on either side. The rito eventually become the mature leaves taking care of the new shoots. Through Rito o te Pāremata (Parliament’s new shoots), Parliament wants to nurture and inspire future voters. The name ‘Rito’ was chosen to symbolise the envisioned life cycle of the group – existing members nurturing new ones.
As a member of Rito o te Pāremata you will work with seven other members to develop and promote a project of your choice, with the aim of increasing youth awareness of, and participation with, your Parliament.
Your project could be anything – start a podcast about what Parliament does; create a mock select committee and invite young people to submit on a subject of their choice – it just must be delivered within a year and be politically neutral (not showing favouritism to a particular political party or member).
Take a look at what past Rito groups have done! In 2021, the group created Rarapa, a four-part video series that shines a light on the different ways New Zealand rangatahi can engage with Parliament. This year, members launched an Instagram account to share content with the goal of removing misconceptions about Parliament. We are now looking for application from rangatahi wanting to join the 2023 reference group.
As a paid opportunity, you’ll receive the living wage on a casual contract; there are eleven meetings planned for 2023. We are especially interested in hearing from young people who don’t have any experience or knowledge of Parliament - just an understanding of how to engage with your peers!
As well as providing feedback on other youth-focussed resources Parliament produces, and representing young people in your community, you will have the chance to network and gain experience in fields you might be interested in pursuing – for example, social media, communications, and education. It’s also a great experience to add to your CV!
So if you fit the following description, and have plenty of energy and enthusiasm, we would love to have you as part of the team!
Can I apply?
You can apply if:
- you are 16-20 years old (at 15 December 2022)
- you live in New Zealand, plan to live there throughout 2023, and can travel to Wellington (travel costs to and from workshops will be covered).
How do I apply?
Send in your submission with the application form to rito@parliament.govt.nz
We want to know who you are, what you’re passionate about, and why you want to be part of Rito. However, the format of your submission is completely up to you!
You could:
- send us a picture
- write a blog
- create a mock petition on why you should be part of Rito and get your family and friends to sign it
- make a video
- send us a cover letter and CV
- write a list of ten reasons why you should be part of Rito
- create a website
- write an essay.
There’s no right or wrong way to apply. Applications close 11.59pm, 13 November 2022.
For more information, email rito@parliament.govt.nz - we look forward to receiving your application!