Don't be so eager to leave, says former Youth MP Timothy Rowe
I LOVE Whanganui - the river where I used to train, the schools that I used to attend and, of course, the house where I grew up.
So why do young people seem to feel like they must leave as soon as they are given the chance?
I left because I cannot study law in Whanganui, and many students also leave to pursue greater career opportunities through tertiary study.
This is not an easily-solved problem - neither Whanganui MP Chester Borrows nor the mayor can just step in and say: "Stop leaving."
Having been at the 2016 Youth Parliament, I know that the loss of young people is a common problem. Young adults migrate to the central cities to chase their dreams - and there is nothing wrong with that, but it means that the Whanganui population isn't growing.
The migration of young people to big cities from towns like Whanganui and New Plymouth was one of the issues we discussed in the Youth Parliament - and I proposed that this isn't actually a problem. The house prices and community is attracting professionals from all over the country to Whanganui, which wouldn't be as beautiful as it is with a huge population.
After living in Wellington for nearly six months now, the thing I miss the most is the trees around the city. Will I consider moving back to Whanganui when I've finished my studies? Probably not, but I know that many youths will.
There is a great future for this little town I love - and especially for the young people growing up there now.
If there is one message I could send to the youth of Whanganui it is don't be so eager to leave - you are given so many opportunities, so make the most of them and enjoy yourselves. Although many of you will have to leave, don't be afraid to come back.
I spent two days in Parliament with other young people debating a range of topics and presenting my opinions to one of the most influential group of youths. We are hopeful Parliament will consider many of our opinions and even consider legislating around them. I would describe Youth Parliament as a lot of big heads in a small room - it is very eye-opening and exciting, and I recommend it to anyone who will be between 16 and 18 in three years when the next Youth Parliament is held.
I must thank Whanganui MP Chester Borrows for the opportunity he gave me to be a Youth MP - it has been life-changing.
I encourage youth all around Whanganui to pursue their dreams no matter what. I did - and I ended up sitting in Parliament.
■Timothy Rowe, a former Whanganui High School student now studying law, was Whanganui's Youth MP for 2016.
