THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017
University hosts key TVNZ debate for young voters
For the first time during a New Zealand General Election, the University of Auckland is partnering with TVNZ to host a
special live debate focused on young voters.
Called 1NEWS Young Voters Debate, with Vote Compass, it will be a 90-minute special debate styled on TVNZ’s Backbenchers
show and held on the University Campus.
“This is a unique chance to understand and discuss youth issues in a debate as high profile as the standard TVNZ Leader
debates,” says Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations, Jennifer Lees-Marshment, who connected TVNZ
with the University (and Auckland University Students Association) and has advised on the programme format.
The University has selected a private audience of 100 youth from across New Zealand tertiary institutions, party lines
and life circumstances who will participate in the debate as it is streamed live on 1 NEWS NOW, Facebook and YouTube,
Duke TV (Freeview 13 and Sky 23), and simulcast on Newstalk ZB, from 7.30pm on 14 September.
Popular TVNZ Breakfast presenter Jack Tame will be directing a panel that includes a member of each political party:
Chris Bishop (National), Kris Faafoi (Labour), Chloe Swarbrick (Greens), Shane Taurima (Māori Party), David Seymour
(ACT), Darroch Ball (NZ First) and Damian Light (United Future). A second presenter Billie Jo Ropiha will roam among the
invited audience asking questions and seeking comment.
“We are delighted to be hosting the debate because young people are our leaders of the future and it’s critical that
they engage actively in our democracy,” says Professor Jenny Dixon, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategic
Engagement.
It’s vital [to engage young voters],” adds John Gillespie, TVNZ’s Head of News and Current Affairs. He says TVNZ is
“hugely looking forward to the debate”.
Vote Compass
The Youth Debate will also be informed by TVNZ’s Online Vote Compass tool, which is sponsored by the University’s
Faculty of Arts.
Vote Compass enables voters to give their views ranging from strongly agreeing, to strongly disagreeing, on more than 30
policy or issue-based questions. The results are then calculated instantly so viewers can see how closely aligned they
are to different party positions.
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“It puts the voices of ordinary people on the agenda,” says Dr Lees-Marshment who is the academic advisor to Vote
Compass, and first introduced the tool from Canada, to New Zealand, for the 2014 election.
“As campaigns often end up plagued by personality issues and billboard slogans, Vote Compass plays an important
democratic role ensuring discussions of policy, and public views on them, remain on the agenda.”
Vote Compass 2017 was launched on 20 August and by early afternoon 24 August it had already attracted over 107,673
users.
ends