Young Leaders Unite at Let Me Speak Forum in East Auckland

A recent forum in east Auckland brought together young leaders and community advocates to discuss the importance of youth representation in decision-making. The event, titled “Votes, Voices, or Vanishing,” was organized by Aayush Sharma, founder of the youth advocacy group Let Me Speak. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of ethnic and migrant youth across New Zealand.

The forum, held at Botany Library, featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including former Labour Party List MP Naisi Chen, Auckland Council Youth Advisory Panel co-chair Kritika Selach, and 2025 Botany Youth MP Abby Plom. Local leaders, such as New Howick Local Board deputy chairperson Kai Zeng, also contributed to the discussions.

Aayush Sharma emphasized the need for young people to have a meaningful say in education and public policy. “The event demonstrated how young people are actively engaged in shaping policies and provided insight into how we can strengthen youth representation in governance,” he said. Participants engaged in discussions about the challenges young people face in gaining trust in institutions and the potential of online activism.

Understanding Youth Engagement in Governance

The forum aimed to tackle several key issues, including the barriers that prevent youth from participating in public decision-making. Aayush noted that the event served as a platform for young voices to express their views directly to policymakers, avoiding superficial dialogue. “We wanted to show that youth are not silent; they are informed and ready to interrogate policy structures,” he explained.

The discussions explored whether young people are withdrawing from political engagement or if they are being systematically excluded. Each section of the panel addressed different aspects of this complex issue, with the consensus being that youth disengagement signals a lack of inclusive systems rather than apathy.

Aayush highlighted the importance of creating genuine civic pathways for youth. “The forum showed that young people want direct civic pathways, not staged consultation,” he stated. By providing an open space for dialogue, the event successfully fostered connections between Let Me Speak and local representatives, including policy advisors and community figures.

Looking Ahead: Youth Representation in Aotearoa

The insights gathered during the forum will play a critical role in shaping Let Me Speak’s strategies for 2026. Aayush expressed optimism for the future, stating that the findings will inform how the organization approaches youth representation and engagement in governance.

As youth advocacy continues to gain momentum across New Zealand, events like this forum are essential in ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and valued in decision-making processes. Aayush Sharma’s commitment to empowering youth demonstrates the potential for meaningful change when young people are given the opportunity to contribute actively to their communities.

The Let Me Speak forum marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive future for all, illustrating that the next generation is ready to engage in shaping their own destinies.