Grant McNaughton may only be 16, but he has a wealth of firm ideas about what could be done to improve the quality of life for Kiwis.
The Logan Park High School pupil believes a greater understanding of science is the key.
He gained the opportunity to share his views after winning a Treasury Scholarship at the Sir Paul Callaghan National Eureka! Science Symposium in Wellington late last year.
He won the scholarship because his presentation was judged to have the most potential to improve the living standards of New Zealanders.
''I talked about the importance of scientific literacy for the people of New Zealand.
''Everyone can read and write, but fewer and fewer people in New Zealand have literacy in science, which is arguably just as important, and we're suffering consequences because of it.''
Obvious consequences included low levels of vaccination in New Zealand, and a fear of science involving genetic modification, ''even though there is evidence to suggest that in the right circumstances it can be safe and there is nothing to be afraid of''.
''Learning sciences creates minds which are objective and critical, and having these lenses to see the world is very useful in everyday life.
''It's very useful for finding truth and it can be applied to any subject, not just sciences.
''Science isn't being taught to a high enough standard in New Zealand, or the world for that matter, and it needs to be.''
Grant will join other regional winners, including University of Otago neuroscience student Sam Hall-McMaster, who won the Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka! Premier Award in Wellington last year.
They will meet government scientific adviser Prof Peter Gluckman, government ministers and possibly Mr Key on Thursday to discuss their views about what could be done to create better living standards in New Zealand in the future.
Mr Hall-McMaster is expected to share his views on the potential of nanotechnology for New Zealand.
Grant said he was excited about the opportunity.
''This is my chance to make my mark. They would be wise to listen,'' he said.
Tips for the PM
• Teach science to a higher level in New Zealand schools.
• Put more funding into science education.
• Put more funding into science research.
• New Zealand needs to pull its weight in science research.
• Listen to youth - they have a different perspective on NZ life.
