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John Key spread the word about his meeting with Mahurangi College students via his Twitter account.
Thirty Year 10 students from Mahurangi College not only met the Prime Minister, but also witnessed one of last year’s most controversial protests by MPs, when they visited Parliament late last year.
The school’s first trip to Wellington coincided with John Key accusing Labour of “backing rapists” over the Australian detainees issue and the students were in the House the following day when a group of female MPs walked out in protest over the Prime Minister’s remarks.
Student Julia Caulfield, who was instrumental in suggesting and organising the Parliamentary visit, said the three days in the capital had been “amazing and life-changing”.
“We were there when the women walked out,” she said. “It was very powerful, especially as there were mostly girls on the trip.”
However, she was less impressed with John Key and Andrew Little’s behaviour during Question Time.
“It was literally like watching two big babies fighting, using the types of insults they did.”
As well as a private meeting with the PM in his office, the students had a special tour of Parliament, sat in the Speaker’s Chamber during Question Time, had meetings with various MPs and visited the Gallipoli exhibition at Te Papa Museum.
Julia said the entire trip had got everyone thinking about politics and what they wanted to see changed.
“If 30 students can get to see the Prime Minister and tour Parliament, then it shows you can do something that you put your mind to. The trip has definitely improved my knowledge of Parliament and has grown my passion for civics and promoting civics, and definitely made me want to be in politics.”
