Youth often get a bad rap when it comes to politics, there’s a perception they are too young, or are apathetic and don’t care.

But this year, over 30 teenagers or 20-somethings are standing in our upcoming general election.

Two candidates gunning to be our next generation of politician are Naisi Chen and William Wood.

26-year-old Naisi is Labours candidate for Botany and also Vice President of Young Labour. 

18-year-old William is one of the youngest electoral candidates ever, selected at 17 to run as National’s candidate for Palmerston North.

The two joined Francesca Rudkin to discuss why they got into politics, why youth should have a say, and their response to criticism they are too young to be in politics. 

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