This is the first year of the initiative, and the prizes will be offered through selected politics courses at each university (rather than as an open competition).
Why these prizes—and why now
Across the world—and here at home—democracy is under pressure. If we want an inclusive, resilient democratic system that people trust, young people need real opportunities to help shape its future. These prizes are one small way to back the next generation of democratic thinkers and reformers in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What we’re looking for
We look forward to reading essays that explore democratic innovations—new ideas, reforms, and practical experiments that could empower participation across the full democratic process—from shaping what issues get attention, to forming shared priorities, to decision-making—in ways that foster an inclusive, just, and fair New Zealand. Whether your focus is on local government, Parliament, civic education, digital participation, deliberative democracy, or something else entirely, we’re keen to see well-argued, evidence-informed proposals grounded in the realities of Aotearoa.
How it works
The prizes are being offered in partnership with the politics departments at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and Waipapa Taumata Rau—University of Auckland, and are run through agreed courses in each department. We’re very pleased to be working alongside academic staff who support students to think seriously—and creatively—about the future of democracy, and we’re grateful for their help in promoting and administering the prizes. We hope this first year lays the groundwork for growing the programme over time. We’re also looking forward to announcing the winners and featuring their ideas at Trust Democracy events later this year.
Supporting democracy
If you’d like to help strengthen and sustain initiatives like this—so more great student ideas can be brought into the public conversation—please consider joining as a member and/or signing up to our newsletter so you’re notified when the winners are announced and event details are released.
Supporting young people to strengthen democracy is not new for Trust Democracy. In the past, we’ve backed youth-led efforts including by organising an event featuring Make It 16 and writing submissions to support their cause. We’re excited to continue that commitment through these essay prizes.