After a week defending nature in Parliament and a busy constituent Friday covering challenging issues such as modern slavery, atrocities in Myanmar, meth addiction and continued reliance on fossil fuels — I was ready to be inspired by some uplifting yet poignant performances and some time with my high school-aged son.
First up was Logan Park’s tribute to the suffragettes who protested and petitioned and campaigned for women in New Zealand to have the vote.
It was a world first and proud moment in our nation’s history when women won the right in 1893.
Team captains Blue and Violet spoke on the importance of feminism and art as activism.
I have spent a lot of this Parliament’s term opposing this government’s version of the Fast-track Approvals Act that overrides environmental protections.
It seems students at my old school — Otago Girls’ High, agree that nature needs protecting.
They gave a passionate performance about the importance of nature and species not going extinct because of corporate greed.
Congratulations to team captains — both named Emily — and the rest of the winning team.
"Boys will be" was the title of John McGlashan’s performance regarding masculinity taking many forms.
Tee and Hugo gave a great speech about not falling into the "boys will be boys" stereotype.
Rounding out the show was St Hilda’s piece on wasteful consumption — starting with circles and moving through various shapes to demonstrate fads. Great job Misha and Sophie.
I came away feeling great about Dunedin’s young people who had taken the time to organise a performance and chose to focus on the importance of our democracy, environment and inclusion.
It was uplifting.
Events like this are also a reminder of how important it is that our high schools encourage students to enrol to vote from age 17, so they are ready to have their say as soon as they turn 18.
That is even more important now after this government made it harder for young people to vote by changing the enrolment rules.
We should be making democratic participation easier, not harder, so make sure you’re enrolled before October 25.
Young people are already deeply engaged with the issues shaping their future and they deserve to be heard.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the DCC by-election and congratulations to Jo Galer on being elected.
