Youth ambassador selection process announced

  • Michael Woodhouse
Veterans’ Affairs

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse has announced plans to select 25 Youth Ambassadors to attend 2015 Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.

“The 1915 Gallipoli campaign holds an important place in New Zealand’s history. Gallipoli 2015 is central to New Zealand’s First World War centenary programme,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“Our Youth Ambassadors will be important in carrying the traditions of Anzac Day commemorations forward. They will be encouraged to tell the Gallipoli story in their own voices, from their unique perspectives.

“They will also have a practical role on the Gallipoli Peninsula assisting other New Zealanders – particularly older New Zealanders – attending the commemorations.”

Youth Ambassadors will be selected from current competitions such as the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Passchendaele competition and the ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC speech competition, as well as a new Gallipoli 2015 social media competition administered by the Ministry of Youth Development.

Other Youth Ambassadors will be selected from the New Zealand Cadet Forces, Limited Service Volunteers, and from the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.

Youth Ambassadors will be part of the New Zealand Defence Force contingent and will have their travel, accommodation and meal arrangements paid for.

For more information visit: www.gallipoli2015.govt.nz/youth-ambassadors

Background information

Where have these passes come from?

One hundred of New Zealand’s 2000 attendance passes were withheld from the Gallipoli 2015 ballot as ‘special places’. Thirty-five double passes have been allocated to children of Gallipoli veterans with the remainder now being allocated to the 25 Youth Ambassadors and five mentors.

How will the Youth Ambassadors be selected?

  • Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Passchendaele competition – four places
  • ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition – eight places
  • Gallipoli 2015 social media competition – three places
  • Defence Force Cadets – three places
  • Limited Service Volunteers – three places
  • The Prime Minister’s youth programme – four places

What age groups are eligible to enter?

The different categories and competitions have different eligibility, but generally cover those aged 16 – 19 years.

How can people find more information and apply?

General information with directions to the relevant competition pages is available at: www.gallipoli2015.govt.nz/youth-ambassadors

Entries for the Passchendaele competition are now being accepted from Year 13 students. Entries close on 23 September 2014. For more information visit: www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz/commemorations/passchendaele/index.html.

The ANZ RSA Cyril Bassett VC speech competition will open in the fourth term and details will be available at: www.rsa.org.nz/national-speech-competition

Information on how to apply for the Gallipoli 2015 social media competition will be posted shortly at: www.facebook.com/AotearoaYouthVoices.