ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Can Jacinda Ardern get young people to vote?

Author
Michael Sergel,
Publish Date
Mon, 7 Aug 2017, 5:21AM
Campaign spokesman Jonathan Gee said June's UK election shows young people can be convinced to vote. (Photo \ Getty Images)
Campaign spokesman Jonathan Gee said June's UK election shows young people can be convinced to vote. (Photo \ Getty Images)

Can Jacinda Ardern get young people to vote?

Author
Michael Sergel,
Publish Date
Mon, 7 Aug 2017, 5:21AM

Jeremy Corbyn got young people to the polls in the UK, and Jacinda Ardern could do the same thing here.

Student associations are launching a new "We Have Power" campaign today, aimed to increasing youth voter turn-out in next month's election.

Campaign spokesman Jonathan Gee said June's UK election shows young people can be convinced to vote.

But he said parties need leaders they can relate to and policies that resonate with them, on issues like housing, transport and climate change.

"With the rise of Jeremy Corbyn you saw a 20 percent rise in the youth voter turnout there hopefully in some way we could replicate that here in New Zealand."

Mr Gee urged politicians to take young voters more seriously during the election campaign, saying they continue to ignore the views of their youth wings on issues that matter to them.

"Stop taking down to them and saying that 'you need this and you need that' but actually having genuine conversations with them and bringing their issues up into the political agenda."

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you