Helena Cook

In her New Zealand Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship, Dr Helena Cook will investigate how Pacific youth in Aotearoa New Zealand understand and experience politics. Youth political engagement is a vital part of democracy. Although Pacific youth are a growing and active part of our population, their participation in the political system is poorly understood, often overlooked, and may look quite different to traditional forms of political engagement.

Tailored workshops will follow the Pacific tradition of talanoa, with inclusive, participatory, and transparent dialogue.  Dr Cook will ask a range of young Pacific people which forms of political engagement are meaningful to them; how their cultural identity, values, and community relationships shape their political participation; and what kind of barriers or opportunities have affected their participation in politics. This project will provide actionable insights for relevant government ministries, schools, and community groups to foster meaningful political engagement for Pacific youth.

Full Participation. Supplied.