Katherine Mcindoe is the 2013 Royal Commonwealth Society Essay Competition winner and one of New Zealand's representatives at 33Fifty: The Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme.

From 17-20th July this year, I was one of six young New Zealanders representing our country at ‘33 Fifty: the Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme’ in Glasgow and Edinburgh, a programme run by Common Purpose as one of the Legacy 2014 projects linked to the Commonwealth Games.

Why “33Fifty”? The conference was inspired by the fact that 33% of the world’s population lives in the Commonwealth, and 50% of those are under 25: therefore, we as Commonwealth youth make up an incredibly large and potentially influential group. With this in mind, the conference brought together 100 young people (aged 18-25) from around the Commonwealth to pool our ideas on how the youth of the Commonwealth can tackle the challenge of moving towards low-carbon economies.

Over the four days, we visited Scottish businesses working in the green sector and listened to presentations from wonderful speakers both about lowering carbon emissions and about effective leadership. By the end of the course, we had come up with projects that we can (and hopefully will) undertake as part of the collective move around the Commonwealth towards low-carbon economies.

One of my highlights was visiting the Edinburgh headquarters of Pelamis Wave Power, the world’s leading innovator in wave power technologies. With a base in Orkney, testing wave power machines in the North Sea, Pelamis is proving the extraordinary potential of wave power as a viable renewable energy source in the future, and for me symbolises the incredible innovation in green technologies that Scotland can offer to the rest of the world.

The other most valuable part of 33Fifty for me was meeting my fellow participants from around the world. Not only are they all smart, creative, friendly people, but they are already engaged in addressing the issues they are concerned about, whether that is through tertiary study, full-time work, or setting up NGOs, businesses, or community initiatives. In this environment, if you have an idea, being young is no reason to delay putting it into practice: in the climate change area (in which we simply don’t have the time to delay), I think that this attitude is vital.

I was lucky enough to stay on in Scotland, alongside 10 other participants, to represent 33Fifty at the Commonwealth Business Conference, where I was tasked with representing the group on one of the panels. As we discussed what we had learnt from the 33Fifty experience in preparation for the panel, we kept returning to two central ideas. The first is that the best and most effective leadership can only occur when a range of diverse perspectives are included: with 31 Commonwealth countries represented at 33Fifty, we were struck by the many benefits of collaborative decision-making. The second is that, with young people making up such a large proportion of the Commonwealth, our input must be taken seriously, rather than considered only after decisions are made.

It was an honour to represent New Zealand at 33Fifty, and to meet and work with some incredible young people from around the Commonwealth. I am very grateful to the New Zealand Society for their financial support, which enabled me to take part.

Shimal Sataiya, Waikato University
Co-author of 'Child Sex Trafficking in New Zealand: A Critical Analysis'

I can safely say that the issue of child sex trafficking is not a hot topic in the New Zealand media, you very rarely hear about this crime, so logically we have many people in New Zealand with the ideology that it does not occur in our nation. Unfortunately this is not the case.

I recently wrote a report on the analysis of the laws surrounding child sex trafficking and I believe that my findings would come as a shock to many.   In its essence, the definition of trafficking consists of taking a person through various means for the purpose of exploitation; in this case sexual exploitation.  In New Zealand when one mentions the phrase “trafficking”, the general understanding is that it is to abduct a child from an Asian country, bring them into New Zealand and force them to work in brothels.  Of course this is trafficking, however the international definition of trafficking is a lot broader than the situation described.   According to the United Nations Trafficking Protocol if one was to recruit a person under the age of 18 to work as a prostitute, then that is trafficking, regardless of consent.   There have been reports of around 200 people, mainly girls, under 18 years of age, working as prostitutes in New Zealand; therefore, in accordance with the definition, trafficking does occur in New Zealand.

The New Zealand law is very unclear when dealing with the prostitution of girls under the age of 18. In addition to this I found other factors that the New Zealand law was missing when comparing with the Trafficking Protocol.

There are different sections in the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 and Crimes Act 1961 that fit parts of the definition of trafficking, making it very confusing to interpret and charge a person. The law must be clear, concise and easy to interpret for the judiciary and police force; however this is not the case.

My report has included a few options for the law in New Zealand drawn from Australia and the United Kingdom;  both these jurisdictions have been praised for their concise definition which would benefit the New Zealand law should they choose to adopt it. There has been debate about whether New Zealand needs to change its laws in this area given it is not a pressing issue; however with the growing rate of this crime internationally and with trafficking of people being in the top three trades of the world, we cannot be ignorant to the fact that it may become a serious issue in New Zealand.

Developing efficient law will only strengthen New Zealand’s position in this area, and in my point of view there is no reason not to do that.

PR: SAFE RETURN OF NIGERIAN SCHOOLGIRLS URGED

COMMONWEALTH YOUTH NEW ZEALAND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12 May 2014

Commonwealth Youth New Zealand (CYNZ) stands with the international community in its condemnation of the abduction of over 270 girls in Nigeria by militant group, Boko Haram, and stands in solidarity with the friends and families of the kidnapped girls.

“The kidnapping of these innocent school girls is absolutely abhorrent. Commonwealth Youth New Zealand condemns the actions of Boko Haram and hopes that their actions are dealt with in an appropriate manner when they are found”, said CYNZ Executive Director, Aaron Hape.

“This is not just a diplomatic issue, but also a women’s and children’s rights issue and a blatant attack on the right to education.”

CYNZ believes that education is essential for the development of human potential. Schools are strongholds of knowledge and allow young people to explore and question their surroundings. Schools foster friendships, positive communication, and personal development critical to creating an active citizenry. They are also a safe-house, offering protection from harm. Boko Haram has violated all of these extremely important values.

These incidents put a spotlight on broader issues which need to be addressed in order for meaningful change to occur in Nigeria. Societal and ideological attitudes must be addressed – only 45% of the population believe women should have equal rights to men. The people of Nigeria must be encouraged to address these issues in order to move forward for the betterment of their families and societies.  

CYNZ urges Commonwealth member states to condemn the actions of Boko Haram, to publicly express the atrocious actions which are currently taking place, and to publicly condemn human trafficking. CYNZ also urges its counterpart organisations in other Commonwealth countries to express similar sentiments.

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PR: YOUNG KIWI TO REPRESENT NEW ZEALAND AT PREMIER YOUTH FORUM

COMMONWEALTH YOUTH NEW ZEALAND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

17 April 2014

Commonwealth Youth New Zealand Executive Director, Aaron Hape, has been selected to represent New Zealand at 33Fifty, the Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme, in Scotland. Mr Hape, a 22-year-old Wellingtonian, was confirmed as a participant in early April and an official announcement was made at the New Zealand Parliament this week.

Developed by Common Purpose and the Royal Commonwealth Society, and hosted by the Scottish Government, 33Fifty aims to develop young leaders to bring people together, reconcile differences, lead change, and use the Commonwealth’s networks effectively. The programme will run from 17 to 20 July in Glasgow and Edinburgh in the lead-up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games as part of the Legacy 2014 initiative.

“33Fifty is the Commonwealth’s prestigious youth leadership programme and I am very proud to have been selected out of such an enormous pool of talent,” said Mr Hape.

Commonwealth Youth New Zealand board chair, Darryl Stevens, said that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “For Aaron to be going to Scotland during the Commonwealth Games also gives an added sense of importance. I am thrilled that he will be able meet and network with other like-minded youth leaders during the packed programme”.

Around 100 young leaders from around the Commonwealth will converge in Scotland for the programme. The participants will tackle a challenge related to an issue of fundamental importance and relevance right across the Commonwealth – in this case, how the Commonwealth can work together to achieve low-carbon economies. Delegates will visit The Wheatley Group and the Scottish Parliament and on the final day they will present their findings to assembled Heads of State, Heads of Government, Sport Ministers, and senior Commonwealth officials ahead of the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

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Auckland Commonwealth Day 2014 service
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell

Delivered by Aaron Hape


Henry Ford once said “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” For young people, being part of a team – whether it is a sports team, a drama club, a faith group, or simply a bunch of friends – can help create a motivation towards shared goals and values.

We see this in our Commonwealth. 53 countries will tomorrow celebrate the spirit of teamwork that enables them to work together to help one another create just and peaceful societies, achieve sustainable and social progress, advance democracy and civil liberties, and create economic resilience with prosperity in which all citizens can share.

This year’s Commonwealth theme – “Team Commonwealth” – is a celebration of our achievements, particularly those that may have seemed daunting or impossible, which have helped to build strength, resilience and pride in young people, in our communities and in our nations.

Great achievements have a number of common characteristics. From climbing the highest mountain, to winning a sporting competition, making a scientific breakthrough, building a successful business or discovering artistic talent – these outcomes all begin as a simple goal or idea in one person’s mind.

We are all born with the desire to learn, to explore, to try new things. And each of us can think of occasions when we have been inspired to do something more efficiently, or to assist others in achieving their full potential. Yet it still takes courage to launch into the unknown. Ambition and curiosity open new avenues of opportunity.

Last November I was given the opportunity to run with the Queen’s Baton as part of Commonwealth Games Baton Relay. This beacon of unity has now passed through two thirds of the Commonwealth and will continue on to Glasgow, acting as a physical embodiment of team spirit, shared goals, fair play, and mutual aspirations.

After the 23rd biannual CHOGM summit last year, which was fractious and largely overshadowed by the row over Sri Lanka’s accountability for alleged war crimes, the debate over the Commonwealth’s relevance in a modern world has again come to the fore. Its critics accuse it of looking away when bad things happen, or sweep things under the carpet. They denigrate the organisation for its failure to uphold its ideals and vilify it for offering a fig-leaf of legitimacy to damaging regimes. They say it has no relevance. If that is true, then why is there an ever-growing queue of sovereign nations lobbying for membership?

The Commonwealth is a voluntary assembly that has come to encompass every region, faith and race on the planet, something that no other organisation apart from the United Nations can boast. It enables otherwise isolated and disadvantaged nations to link with powerful allies and be part of decent club.

One of the most powerful devices in the Commonwealth’s toolbox is the ability to encourage member states to raise their standard of democracy, civil liberties, and governance.  We are able to speak candidly to each other and work together for the betterment of all citizens.

That is what lies at the heart of our Commonwealth approach: individuals and communities finding ways to strive together to create a better future that is beneficial for all.

Written for TheRCS.org by Aaron Hape

Commonwealth leaders united recently in Wellington, New Zealand, for the 22nd Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC). The host and Speaker of New Zealand’s Parliament, David Carter, opened the meeting under the theme of keeping Parliament and politics relevant in a digital age.

Commonwealth Youth New Zealand members were lucky enough to meet with CPA committee chair, Sir Alan Haselhurst, during his visit as a CSPOC conference observer and discuss the conference theme. Sir Alan has long been a proponent of nurturing youth involvement in the direction of the Commonwealth.

Our discussions had two tiers of thinking. The first point was that in order to educate youth about the Commonwealth’s role and purpose, organisations such as CYNZ, the RCS, the CPA, and, indeed, the Commonwealth Secretariat, must better articulate the values and ideals they stand for. All too often the Commonwealth tries to be all things to all people. Our discussion focussed on defining down and concentrating on what the Commonwealth does best – endorsing good governance and strong democratic practices; ensuring small states have an equal voice in international decision-making; and ensuring that educational and social institutions are available to all people regardless of their background or circumstances.

From this came the second discussion point. To better promote these values to young people they must be given as many opportunities as possible to have their opinions heard in decision-making processes. Civics education in the New Zealand education curriculum is average at best in scope and teaching – one learns of New Zealand’s governmental structure, how the electoral process works, and how a policy becomes law. The teaching is very brief and students do not usually give it any further thought until it comes time for them to exercise their right to vote. Civics education needs to be made fun and informative, but not forced – young people do not appreciate facetiousness or being patronised.

Young people always have ideas and opinions but they do not always know how to voice them. One initiative that RCS Wellington and CYNZ endorse annually is a National Student CHOGM, where students take on the role of head of government or foreign affairs minister of Commonwealth state. Here they are able to debate issues from climate change to monetary policy in an environment where they have an equal voice and are taken seriously. These are the kind of initiatives, led from the grassroots, which CYNZ and Sir Alan agreed need to occur more often to encourage young people across the Commonwealth to speak up and be heard.

My thanks go to the wonderful team at the British High Commission Wellington for organising such a frank and informative discussion. Thanks also must go to Sir Alan for taking time out of his busy schedule and for taking a genuine interest in what we had to say. 

PR: Youth leader to represent New Zealand in India


COMMONWEALTH YOUTH NEW ZEALAND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6 September 2013

Commonwealth Youth New Zealand Deputy Director, Aaron Hape, has been chosen to represent New Zealand at the 6th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in India. The annual conference will be held on 20 - 26 October in the Andhra Pradesh Legislature, Hyderabad.

Mr Hape, 22 , has been keenly involved with the Royal Commonwealth Society since his last year of high school and has been a Deputy Director of Commonwealth Youth New Zealand since 2010.

“I am honoured and humbled to have been chosen by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to represent New Zealand at this year’s Commonwealth Youth Parliament. The prospect of travelling to such a culturally rich country like India makes my selection even more exciting”, said Mr Hape.

Royal Commonwealth Society Wellington president, Darryl Stevens, said that he is pleased to see so much talent being recognised within the organisation.

“Aaron’s selection builds on CYNZ’s success last year, with Chloe Oldfield being selected to represent New Zealand at the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in London”, said Mr Stevens. “This is a magnificent achievement for Aaron and for CYNZ, and I wish him all the best for the conference.”

The conference will focus on youth unemployment and better engaging youth in the political process. Mr Hape plans to place particular attention on volunteering and community service.

“Volunteering is a fantastic way for young people to not only give back to their community, but also for them to find new interests, to grow their professional and personal networks, and to become more involved in the institutions that they feel they can help and nurture.”

It is anticipated that between 80 and 90 young people from across the Commonwealth will participate in the event. The overall goal of the Youth Parliament is to strengthen the democratic process in the Commonwealth by deepening understanding of parliamentary democracy among the participants. The Youth Parliament will mirror proceedings in parliament with debates, question time, and committee work.

The conference will be presided over by the President of India, His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee, and proceedings will take place under the watchful eyes of experienced parliamentary and Commonwealth officials, such as Sir Alan Haselhurst MP and Dr William Shija, respectively Chairman and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.


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PR: Youth leader to be first New Zealand female to speak in UK Parliament


COMMONWEALTH YOUTH NEW ZEALAND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

24 October 2012


Youth leader and Victoria University student, Chloe Oldfield, will become the first female New Zealander to speak in the Parliament of the United Kingdom in December. She has been chosen by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, along with Judge’s Clerk and Rhodes Scholar, Max Harris, to represent New Zealand at the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament.

Miss Oldfield, 20, has been enthusiastically involved with Commonwealth Youth New Zealand since her last year of high school. She represented New Plymouth Girls’ High School at the annual national Student Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 200, and has since risen to become one of the Deputy Conference Directors for the Commonwealth Youth New Zealand.

“I am excited to represent my country abroad, and I look forward to the challenges I will no doubt face over the week of discussions in London,” says Miss Oldfield. “I have received huge support from all my family, friends, and even Prime Minister John Key and Labour Leader, David Shearer. Thank you all so much.”

Royal Commonwealth Society Wellington branch president, Darryl Stevens, said that he is enormously proud of Chloe and Max for rising to the top of a huge list of potential delegates. “This is a huge milestone for RCS Wellington as it is the first time anybody from the Wellington branch has been represented at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament. This is such a fantastic accomplishment for both Chloe and Max, and I am sure it is just the start of big things to come. I wish them all the best and hope they have a lot of fun.”

The 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament will be held in London, England, from December 4 – 7. Delegates will discuss issues ranging from good governance and climate change, to the rule of law and poverty, as well debate a mock Speech from the Throne in the House of Lords, and undertake Parliamentary debates in the House of Commons. They will be hosted by The Right Honourable John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, and Baroness D'Souza, Lord Speaker of the House of Lords. Both Speakers will preside over respective debates. They will also meet with deputy Commonwealth Secretary-General, Ms Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, and CPA Chairman and former Speaker of the House of Commons, The Right Honourable Sir Alan Haselhurst.

The Youth Parliamentarians will also pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate Her Diamond Jubilee.


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