Gifted and Talented News

The New Zealand National Student Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is the premier annual event hosted by Commonwealth Youth New Zealand.

With a nearly 40 year history in New Zealand, the National Student CHOGM has seen thousands of young Kiwis grapple with an ever-changing range of economic, social and political issues; build their negotiating, influencing and public speaking skills; and develop their knowledge and understanding of foreign relations and the Commonwealth.

High school students adopt the role of Head of Government or Foreign Minister of a Commonwealth member state, or special envoy from an observer organisation. Held over two days in Wellington at Parliament, delegates debate everything from climate change to monetary policy from the perspective of the government they are representing.

Delegates also participate in a model Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) scenario, where they are tasked with resolving a burgeoning conflict or crisis situation involving member states.

This event will take place in Wellington from August 26 – 27, 2019. The girls will be representing the country of Cyprus, with Leah taking the role of Head of Government, and Aislinn as Minister of Foreign Affairs. We are immensely proud and wish them well in their endeavors.