MITO Apprentice Selected for Youth Parliament 2025
MITO automotive apprentice Fletcher Brown has been selected as a Youth MP, representing Tauranga-based MP Cameron Luxton at Youth Parliament 2025.
Youth Parliament is a unique opportunity for rangatahi aged 16 to 24 from across Aotearoa to step into the shoes of Members of Parliament, learn how government operates, and advocate for their communities on the national stage. The event is coordinated by the Ministry of Youth Development, with support from the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives and other government agencies.
Fletcher applied to be a Youth MP to enable the voice of apprentices to be heard.
“I believe in the power of the trades and want to see them get the respect and recognition they deserve.
“There’s this misconception that if you don’t go to university, you’re somehow falling behind. But that’s not true. The trades offer so many opportunities—stable jobs, good wages, and the chance to work with your hands and see the results of your efforts every day. I want to help more young people realise that there are other ways to succeed, and the trades are one of them.
“With this opportunity, I also hope to raise awareness of some of the challenges facing the automotive industry so they can be addressed in the years ahead.”
As a skilled tradesman himself, MP Cameron Luxton says he’s thrilled to have Fletcher as his Youth MP.
“I’m stoked to have Fletcher Brown as my Youth MP.
“Tradies and practical people are underrepresented in politics, and that includes Youth Parliament. Fletcher’s presence will shine a light on the value of vocational careers and the contribution tradespeople make to New Zealand.”
Fletcher’s journey into the trades began through MITO’s automotive gateway programme, StartUp®, while still at school. He is now employed by Brandt Tractor Limited in Hastings and is completing MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering with strand in Agricultural Equipment.
MITO Executive Director, Verna Niao, sees Fletcher’s Youth MP role as an excellent step in elevating apprentice voices.
“We appreciate MP Cameron Luxton’s vision in selecting an apprentice as his Youth MP— bringing the voice of trades to Parliament, highlighting their vital role in our economy, communities, and youth careers.”
Youth Parliament 2025 will be held at Parliament in Wellington from 1-2 July 2025, with participating Youth MPs engaging in activities and consultations in their communities in the months leading up to the event.