10 November 2015

Young New Zealanders to debate changing the flag

Ahead of the first referendum on the future of New Zealand’s flag, Commonwealth Youth New Zealand (CYNZ), in association with the Victoria University of Wellington Debating Society, is hosting a debate with the moot ‘This House Would Change the New Zealand Flag’.

Eight young people will go head to head with their views on whether or not the New Zealand flag should be changed, and the audience will have a chance to ask questions about the debaters’ arguments.

The debate will be arbitrated by David Seymour, ACT Party leader and Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Education, Katie Bradford, ONE News Political Reporter, Jacinda Ardern, Labour Party MP and Justice Spokesperson, and Chris Bishop, National Party MP and deputy chair of Parliament's Finance and Expenditure select committee.

“While CYNZ does not take a stance on the debate, we think it is very important to provide young people with the opportunity to hear different sides of the argument for changing the flag, and encourage them to exercise their democratic right to vote in the referendum”, says Emma Stilwell, CYNZ Events Officer.

For those that cannot make the event, or would like to join in the conversation online CYNZ will be livestreaming the event as well as posting regular highlights from the debate on Twitter using #nzflag.

ENDS

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