- Nargis Girhotra will represent Southland youth at the 2025 Youth Parliament event
- She brings wide community experience from leadership roles and volunteer activities
- Her advocacy focuses on mental health, education, and climate change issues affecting youth
Nargis Girhotra, a dedicated student leader from Invercargill, is preparing to represent her region on a national platform as a Youth Member of Parliament (Youth MP) for the 2025 Youth Parliament. She will use this opportunity to highlight the key issues impacting young people in Southland.
Currently the Chair of the Invercargill City Youth Council and a prefect at Invercargill Girls' High School, Nargis has made significant contributions to her community. She has been involved with the Student Volunteer Army, World Vision, and the Multicultural Society, experiences that have helped her build a deep understanding of the diverse challenges faced by young people.
The Invercargill City Youth Council, founded in 1998, brings together up to 25 young people aged 12 to 24. It gives youth a voice in local government, encouraging them to engage with civic life and promote inclusivity. The council meets regularly with city councillors and supports youth participation in community activities.
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said, "I was delighted with the calibre of applicants that put their names forward to be the Youth MP for Invercargill. I would have been proud to have any number of them as my Youth MP. What stood out for me with Nargis was that she had been so involved in the community, on the Youth Council, involved in a number of voluntary organisations, and so it showed her commitment to the youth of Southland already, and so this was a good opportunity for her to be able to amplify the voice of young people in Southland."
As a Youth MP, Nargis will take part in a six-month programme that will end with a two-day event at New Zealand Parliament in July. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Development, the programme gives young people aged 16 to 24 a first-hand look at the political process, alongside the chance to build leadership skills and influence government decisions.
Her advocacy will centre on pressing issues such as youth mental health, improving financial and health education in schools, and addressing climate change. Nargis is also determined to bring national attention to the struggles faced by young people in Invercargill, where hardship rates are higher than the national average.
Looking to the future, Nargis plans to pursue a conjoint degree in law and commerce, with possible study destinations including Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Canterbury, or universities in Australia. Her strong commitment to community service and youth empowerment signals a bright future for this rising leader.
For more information about the Invercargill City Youth Council and its work, visit their official website.