Students explored political policies and debated issues important to young New Zealanders.
This week, our OHS Debate Club organised an Election 2026 Debate, giving students the opportunity to engage with political issues ahead of the General Election.
Seven students each represented a different political party, responding to questions about issues affecting young people, including the cost of living. Each speaker demonstrated an impressive understanding of political policies and current social issues, presenting their arguments with confidence.
Approximately 100 students attended the debate, listening to the different perspectives before deciding who they would vote for. It was a great opportunity for students, many of whom are not yet eligible to vote, to learn more about the election and consider the issues that matter to them.
Congratulations to our student representatives:
Greens: Ollie Ren (Year 10)
Te Pāti Māori: Tali Feu’u (Year 13)
Labour: William Scott (Year 12)
The Opportunities Party: Nathan Marshall (Year 12)
National: Harley Taufelila (Year 11)
ACT: Daniel Grange (Year 12)
NZ First: Arlo Gould (Year 11)
Thank you to Cleo Milne (Year 12), who did an excellent job as host and adjudicator, and to the OHS Debate Club for organising the event.
It was encouraging to see our students taking such an active interest in the democratic process and discussing issues that will shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.
