This morning at the Beehive, Dame Cindy officially opened Youth Parliament 2022. Held every three years, Youth Parliament provides a unique opportunity for a diverse group of young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about New Zealand's democratic processes, influence government decision-making, and have their voices heard. Selected rangatahi represent their community, as either a Youth Member of Parliament, member of the Youth Press Gallery, or, this year, as the very first Youth Clerk of the House of Representatives.
![Dame Cindy and the Prime Minister with the gathered Youth MPs](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_full_column/public/2022-07/gg-jul22-youthparliament%20183-2.jpg?itok=8WUv-E-g)
You can read Dame Cindy's speech here, and find more images from the event here.