Ian McLean Green candidate for Tauranga

We understand that Lepidopterans – butterflies and moths – go through a major structural reorganisation called metamorphosis. Young people similarly change dramatically as they metamorphose from small creatures that we nurture and celebrate, to those ambitious, creative and rather conservative beings we call adults.

The metamorphosis takes considerable time, and is quite variable for each of us. During that period, we achieve hormonal maturity, acquire the specific skills needed to generate resources, form partnerships that go far deeper than the friendships of our childhood, and take enormous risks. It is routine, and even expected, that we will challenge whatever authority or behavioural standard that is in vogue at the time.

It is because of this metamorphosis that Nigel Latta calls young people 'aliens” and 'not right in the head”. Young people say the same about adults.

In our relatively benevolent society, we nurture and support independence of thought and action by young people, while managing their risk-taking and ignoring their challenges to authority. We encourage voting at an age where political vision is arguably inadequate, and dreams far too influenced by the trends of the moment.

The reality is that these are the people who will inherit the planet and for whom the political decisions of today will have the most far-reaching consequences. Involving them in the political process is undeniably essential.

I often wonder if butterflies remember what it was like being a caterpillar, and assume not. Adult humans similarly seem to forget what it meant to be young. I have sat through meetings where those in political authority asked representative young people 'what they want”, in a genuine attempt to discover and respond to those needs. Some spoke with remarkable clarity and vision. Others clearly struggled with the concept of 'wanting” anything that government might supply.

Just as with the current 'Commonunity” initiative in the Bay, the process may be the most valuable outcome of such meetings. All of the young people involved are empowered and informed, even while the politicians feel frustrated and inadequate. The communication difficulties will likely never end, due in part, to the changes accompanying our metamorphosis from youth to adulthood. But the attempt is to be applauded.

Your next opportunity to contribute to this debate is on 12 August, 7 pm at the Arts and Crafts Centre. In an open forum situation, the issues facing young people will be addressed by young Green MP Gareth Hughes, and Jason Wilson, the President of the BoP Polytech Students Assoc. The aim is to raise awareness amongst all first time (and younger) voters about their opportunities to influence the political process. All welcome.

Want to know more? Visit: www.taurangayouth.webs.com