Our experience at the simply can not be described in a short paragraph. We both received a scholarship to attend a 4 day conference at Auckland University of Technology.

This experience acknowledged the aspects of policies that youth create to send to the government. I (Marama) have been recently involved with Unicef Rangatahi, this is an awesome organization for youth movement. Being a part of Unicef has opened me to amazing opportunities, this included a full scholarship to attend AYD. 

This covered all our travel, food, accommodation and the conference costs. Thank you Stevie-Jean! These scholarships help young rangatahi to develop the skills and knowledge for our future. Including debating, formal writing and creating new policies for the government take into consideration. This event overall, provided a voice for rangatahi to have an input on issues in Aotearoa. 

There were many important Kaupapa discussed at this event, our chosen rōpu were environment & Climate change, and Social Development. Having the opportunity to attend this event left us with so much knowledge, not only to bring back with us but to leave with the other rangatahi. When we first arrived it was a huge culture shock, we were two of the very few rangatahi Māori. We think it's so important that more Māori students get amongst this Kaupapa, to share their opinion and craft policies focused on the future of Aotearoa. 

Overall this experience helped us develop the skills to comfortably express our opinions and gain stronger communication skills. 

t opened our eyes to the reality of life. AYD promotes great opportunities from year 9 to 13 to make a stamp on our future.

Nā tō rourou, nā tōku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi

By Marama Watling & Isabella Simmons.