By Seb Booth, Youth Press Gallery – Youth Parliament 2025
A Coromandel based Youth MP is pushing back on accusations of censorship that dominated headlines during this week’s Youth Parliament in Wellington.
Isabella White says the controversy has been “blown out of proportion” and believes the media should be focusing more on the content of Youth MPs’ speeches, rather than sensationalising behind-the-scenes edits.
The controversy began after several Youth MPs claimed the Ministry of Youth Development (MYD) required them to remove critical comments about the Government from their General Debate speeches. MYD denied censoring anyone, stating the suggested edits were intended to help speeches remain neutral and legally appropriate. Youth MPs ultimately had the final say.
White, who delivered a powerful speech on sexual assault in Aotearoa, says she was asked to consider changing phrasing like “I believe” and “In my opinion”, but didn’t feel forced to make those changes.
“I did think some of the edits were unnecessary,” she said. “But after I emailed back saying I didn’t want to change anything, they responded supportively. I was never censored.”
She says MYD replied with: “From here, it is your choice how you use that feedback. You are the one stepping up to speak and we fully respect your right to shape your speech in the way that feels right to you.”
“I know that’s not everyone’s experience,” White said. “But that was mine.”
She believes the use of the word “censorship” is misleading and fails to capture what really happened.
“Censorship is suppression. Moderation is different, it’s about making sure things are appropriate, legally safe, and fact checked. I was asked to cite statistics and provide specific examples. That’s not silencing.”
White is frustrated that while media coverage has focused heavily on the censorship claims, little attention has been paid to the actual speeches delivered.
“There were some incredible, well-researched, passionate kōrero during Youth Parliament. But the story has become about drama, not the mahi.”
She also questions the idea that some Youth MPs have claimed to speak on behalf of everyone.
“I don’t like when people claim to represent all of us. I respect other YMPs’ opinions, but they’re just that: opinions. Not universal experiences.”
White doesn’t let MYD off the hook entirely, she says their communication could have been clearer.
“Titling the email ‘Changes Required’ was a bad call. It gave the impression that we had no choice, even though we did. That kind of language matters, especially with the power imbalance between MYD and Youth MPs.”
She’s calling for better communication and support in future Youth Parliaments, including more in-person guidance around the speech guidelines and restoring live broadcasts of speeches on Parliamentary TV.
“Zoom calls and email feedback aren’t enough,” she said. “We need face-to-face support. And if MYD wants less backlash, they need to make our speeches visible. Right now, they’re not.”
Despite the media focus, White says her time at Youth Parliament was powerful and affirming.
“You could tell everyone there cared deeply. That’s what we should be showing, not turning it into a party vs. party drama.”
She added only two changes to her speech: a content warning, and a specific case study. “Everything else stayed. It was my voice.”
White hopes her experience reminds people that there’s more than one side to every story, and that the voices that need to be heard most are the ones actually delivering the speeches.
