Keeping an eye on politics

If you’ve ever wondered how politicians keep up with what’s important to rangatahi, they may just be getting some inside help.

Otago tauira Liam Calder (in his first year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics) and Ellie Brown (in her second year of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics and a Bachelor of Laws) are both members of Rito o te Pāremata – a non-political group made up of six young people from around the country who advise the Office of the Clerk and the Parliamentary Service on how to engage with youth in Aotearoa.

Groups like this are proof that there is respect for rangatahi voices, Rito o te Pāremata Chair Liam says.

“There’s a growing recognition that young people have valuable insights and fresh perspectives on the issues facing Aotearoa. They’re getting more and more politically involved and are educating themselves on more political issues.

“In saying that, young people have always been there throughout history at the forefront of political and social issues and often recognise them before others.”

So what kind of mahi does being part of Rito involve?

“We provide feedback on youth-focussed resources that the Parliamentary Service and Office of the Clerk produces, represent young people in their communities, and promote the work of Parliament,” Liam says.

But the group’s main kaupapa is to develop and promote a project of their choice, with the aim of increasing youth awareness of, and participation with, Parliament.

This year’s project is focussed on streamlining the petitions process.

“There are four ways to engage with Parliament – protests, select committee hearings, contacting your local MP and writing petitions,” Liam says.

“Petitions offer a unique avenue for anyone to formally put a cause on Parliament’s agenda, with the potential to spark real debate and legislative consideration.

“By simplifying the language, clarifying the steps, and improving the online submission experience, we aim to remove barriers that often discourage people, especially rangatahi, from using this democratic tool, helping more voices to be heard and acted upon in Aotearoa’s decision-making process.”

“Keep an eye on politics. It may seem and feel so far away in Wellington, but politics is all around us and the decisions made affect all of the country.” – Liam Calder

Ellie became involved with Rito after coming across the group online earlier this year.

“Through my degree I’ve been learning a lot about Parliament and engagement. I thought it would be such an exciting opportunity to get involved with what I learn about in lectures and contribute to such an important goal.”

The group has been holding monthly meetings to brainstorm ideas and work towards bringing this year’s project to life, she says.

“This has included Zoom calls and an in-person meeting at Parliament, which was definitely a highlight. Everyone in Rito is so committed and bring such good ideas to the table.”

The role has been an “unforgettable experience” and come with amazing opportunities, Ellie says.

“We’ve gotten to talk to lots of experts, tour Parliament, and even attend a select committee meeting.

“I would really give other tauira the advice just to put yourself out there and apply to be part of Rito. This work is meaningful as we’re working to promote and encourage youth engagement in Parliament and youth are such an integral part of Aotearoa.

“I feel so privileged to play a role in supporting this.”

As well as Rito, Ellie is involved with Generation Vote – a volunteer, non-partisan group that goes into high schools to promote and teach civics education – and this year was also involved in the Law student annual fundraiser for the Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge.

“Additionally, I’ve been involved in Otago’s Language Match Programme, which has matched me up with an international student to help me with my Spanish. I’m going to Spain next year on an Otago Global Student Exchange to Esade Business School in Barcelona.

“I chose to go there for a number of reasons, including improving my Spanish, engaging with a new culture, meeting new people, and being able to learn under their well-acclaimed Global Governance programme. Looking through all the papers the University has to offer, I’m super excited!”

Rito o te Pāremata will be recruiting for 2026 members by the end of this year and anyone interested should keep an eye out on the Parliament website for updates, Liam says.

For him, being part of Rito has been a chance to “build real skills, make meaningful connections, and ensure rangatahi voices are heard in spaces where change happens”.

“If you’re a tauira thinking about joining Rito o te Pāremata, or any volunteer kaupapa, my advice is to jump in with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to follow through on what you take on.

“You’ll meet people who inspire you, change your ideas and opinion on things and, most importantly, know that your mahi is contributing to something bigger than yourself.”

His final words of advice?

“Keep an eye on politics. It may seem and feel so far away in Wellington, but politics is all around us and the decisions made affect all of the country.

“Find the ways to involve your voice and play a part in our democracy.”

- Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson

Otago Language Match is a conversational language exchange offered to University of Otago students studying or interested in Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish, which matches them with international students on campus who are speakers of these languages and keen to practise their English. It is recommended that half the time is spent in each language so that both partners benefit.
The programme is currently seeking students who will be in Dunedin over the summer break and are interested in Japanese or Chinese-speaking language partners.
Applications for a language match are via Jo Bone in the English Language Centre: jo.bone@otago.ac.nz