New Zealand Young Nationals
History in Brief
The New Zealand National Party has had a youth section since its inception in 1938. The name Young Nationals has been used since 1967. Young Nationals have been a strong lobby group inside the National Party.
Often the more open minded and liberal views of the Young Nationals have been at odds with those of the senior Party. The movement in party opinion in areas such as the Nuclear Ships debate, economic reform, liquor law reform, and anti-discrimination laws has often been led by the Young Nationals.
Of the current front bench, around half began their political careers in the Young Nationals. Other former Young Nationals are high ranking party officials and employees. Some More Famous Former Young Nationals include:
* Sir Robert Muldoon
* Hon Bill English
* Hon Ruth Richardson
* Winston Peters
* Hon Simon Upton
* Hon Dr Nick Smith
* Hon Roger Sowry
* David Caygill
* Murray McCully
* Annabel Young
* Jim Gerard
* Roger Maxwell
* Hon Tony Ryall
* Jonathan Hunt
The rules of the Party aim to allow young people to become involved in decision making to the highest level. For example our New Zealand Chair is also a Vice President of the party and a member of the List Standing Committee which ranks National's Party list at election time.
Structure of the Young Nats
Young Nationals are the largest youth political organisation in New Zealand. We have branches throughout the country and have been experiencing considerable membership growth. This reflects National's strong support from younger New Zealanders.
Voting patterns from the most recent General Election show that National is supported by younger working New Zealanders more than ever before, and this success is due in large part to the work of active Young Nationals living in communities across New Zealand.
The New Zealand Young Nationals is governed by our own National Executive, and the Youth Vice President also sits on the National Management Board of the National Party.
The Party welcomes the valuable contribution made by its Young Nationals, and Young Nationals are committed to ensuring the organisation maintains an active presence in the day-to-day operation of the party.
The National Executive of the Young Nats is comprised of the following positions.
* Senior Party Youth Vice President & New Zealand Chair
* Deputy New Zealand Chair and Policy Committee Chair
* Auckland Divisional Chair
* Central North Island Divisional Chair
* Wellington Divisional Chair
* Canterbury Westland Divisional Chair
* Southern Divisional Chair
Activities
As a member of Young Nationals you become a full member of the New Zealand National Party. This gives you the right to help select your local candidate and stand for office. There is a strong social side and often the best policy debates are over a few drinks and food. If you are looking to become more involved politically, join the Young Nationals today.
Members of Young Nationals are involved on local electorate campaign committees and in the broader party vote campaign at election time. Young Nationals also help with canvassing, polling and on election day. The activities are many and varied.
Your local branch will hold various events through the year. This might be drinks and discussion with a Minister or MP or a full on social event. Young Nationals is an excellent way to get involved in politics or to start a political career and to learn about the political process.
As a member of Young Nationals you can help contribute to the policy development process in the National Party. We actively lobby and cajole the party on issues that are relevant to New Zealanders and in particular young people. We have been active on issues such as Voluntary Student Association Membership, Compulsory Savings for Retirement and the Environment.
In the 1999 Election campaign, Young Nationals across New Zealand played a hugely important part in Nationals campaign.
Election campaigns develop skills in communications, marketing and technology. Your involvement at election time gives you the chance to help us give New Zealand the Centre Right Government it deserves.
Related Page: - 1999 New Zealand General Election.
New Zealand Treasurer Bill English explains why he joined Young Nationals at the 1999 Policy Conference in Wellington.