Media release: Next Generation to debate euthanasia, economic growth and house prices
Wellington (4 August 2015): The New Zealand Initiative’s annual Next Generation Debate series will have high profile New Zealanders asserting their views on a range of topical political issues, as well as seeing some of the top students from Otago, Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland universities go head to head.
Hon Maryan Street, who proposed and championed the End-of-Life Choice Bill and Dr Stephen Child, Chair of the New Zealand Medical Association will discuss the issue of legalising euthanasia in the first semi-final, with a question and answer session concluding their presentations.
In the second debate, Sue Bradford will oppose Sir Roger Douglas on the question of whether economic growth always comes at the expense of people and the environment.
“The role of these debates is to encourage the next generation to think about issues in more depth and from both sides of the argument. We are committed to encouraging and fostering debate at The New Zealand Initiative,” said Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative.
“While the main focus of the debate is the competition between the student teams, the high profile speakers will provide some fascinating insight and some thought-provoking arguments,” said Hartwich.
The teams that are victorious in the semi-finals will debate the issue that high house prices are making us poorer as a nation in the final debate, with guest speakers Phil Twyford, Labour Party Housing Spokesperson, and Andrew King, New Zealand Property Investors Federation.
Each debate will be followed by panel discussions with the guest speakers and a Q&A session.
The Next Generation Debates are a national university debating tournament designed to encourage young people to think and talk about some of the important public policy issues facing New Zealand.
The series is generously sponsored by the Friedlander Foundation. The New Zealand Initiative offers cash prizes of $1000 to the winning team, $500 to the second placed team and $500 to the best speaker of the tournament.
Media are welcome to attend.
Next Generation Debates Semi-final in Wellington Tuesday, 11 August 2015 | 5:30 pm | Register for Wellington Where: Mac's Function Centre, Te Aro room, 4 Taranaki Street Moot: “This house would legalise euthanasia" Panellists: Hon Maryan Street (former Labour MP) and Dr Stephen Child of NZMA
Next Generation Debates Semi-final in Auckland Wednesday, 12 August 2015 | 5:45 pm | Register for Auckland Where: The University of Auckland Business School, 12 Grafton Road, Owen G Glenn Building, Level 0 Foyer 071 Moot: "This house believes that economic growth always comes at the expense of people and the environment" Panellists: Sir Roger Douglas and Sue Bradford
Next Generation Debates Grand-final in Wellington Wednesday, 19 August 2015 | 5:30 pm | Register for the Final Where: Te Wharewaka Function Centre, 15 Jervois Quay, Wellington Waterfront Moot: "This house believes that high house prices make us poorer as a nation" Panellists: Phil Twyford, MP, Labour Party Housing Spokesperson and Andrew King, Executive Officer, New Zealand Property Investors Federation
About The New Zealand Initiative
The New Zealand Initiative is an evidence-based think tank and research institute, which is supported by a membership organisation that counts some of the country’s leading visionaries, business leaders and political thinkers among its ranks.
Our members are committed to developing policies to make New Zealand a better country for all its citizens. We believe all New Zealanders deserve a world-class education system, affordable housing, a healthy environment, sound public finances and a stable currency.
The New Zealand Initiative pursues this goal by participating in public life, and making a contribution to public discussions.
For more information visit www.nzinitiative.org.nz