Taupō Youth Member of Parliament Ryder Miller says he would definitely recommend the experience to anyone interested in a career in politics or wanting to know more about our parliamentary system.
Miller, a Year 12 student at Tokoroa High School, spent three days in Wellington in July during Youth Parliament 2025.
“It was good to be around people that have like-minded beliefs and want to see a better future for New Zealand,” he says.
Miller found the experience positive overall, and asking a question of an MP, rather than delivering a speech, meant he wasn’t involved in some of the controversy at the time about whether advice from Parliamentary staff was overly directive.
“My question was around disabilities, so was asked to the honourable Louise Upston, just wondering if rangatahi in rural areas like Tokoroa and rural undeveloped areas had equal access to disability support… I did get a very good answer from her.”
To be chosen as Youth MP Miller wrote a cover letter and submitted a CV, before going through an interview process for those shortlisted - and he definitely appreciated the help from Louise Upston once there.
“I’d definitely recommend it… in the next three years put your hand up for Youth MP for the Taupō electorate. You've got an amazing mentor. She works incredibly with you to make sure you have the best experience."
As well as representing the electorate in Wellington, Miller has been busy with fellow THS Yr 12 student Donovan Booyse on another project that promotes mental health - designing a hoodie that raises awareness by sparking conversation.
As part of their studies, the 16-year-olds set up MindThread in April, a student business created through the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) and by July had already hit their break-even target of 16 hoodie tops sold, with sales now approaching 30.
This includes a couple of sales to Canada and the United States.
Each hoodie is more than just clothing, say Miller and Booyse, it’s a way to encourage young people to talk about wellbeing, support one another, and help reduce the stigma around mental health.
While gaining hands-on business experience in the enterprise scheme, the boys see themselves working towards a social goal important to them and the community.
The hoodies which are screen printed as needed by a business in Tokoroa have quotes on them – ‘Break the Silence’, ‘Ignite the Strength’ and ‘Korero Mai’.
“Even if it just lets one person know that their mental health matters. And if they're going through something they can reach out and they can speak because speaking isn't a weakness. It's a sign of strength. And we just hope that even one hoodie can possibly save a life,” says Ryder.
Booyse says the pair have heard anecdotally from some customers with friends or family members who struggle with their mental health.
“And when they see the hoodie, they just feel more comfortable knowing there's places out there that they can go and talk with other people.”
A partnership with the South Waikato Brothers collective which provides a meeting place for people with mental issues is also proving positive, the pair says, with the collective noting an increase in attendances. The two are hoping for a good mark in their final assessment but are philosophical if it proves to be a merit rather than an excellence.
With Booyse eyeing up a career in the Air Force as a pilot and Ryder planning a future in politics such level headedness may be a good takeaway from their Young Enterprise Scheme experience.
