What policies do the youth want?

Every election year politicians struggle to get young people to vote, and toss around theories wondering why they are disengaged.

To the older generation, most young people seem to not care about what happens to their country.

But not all young people have their heads buried in the sand.

Amelia Christensen-Rose, 20, would like to see more policies regarding equal rights.

“Everyone deserves equal rights; I just hate the way some people are treated because of something they can’t help.”

Christensen-Rose wants more rights for women, gays, and people of colour.

One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, wants to see euthanasia legalised in New Zealand.

She watched her Oma (grandmother) die of cancer, and this changed her mind about euthanasia.

“I know Oma wouldn’t have picked to be euthanized because of her beliefs, but for other people who don’t believe in the same but are in that much pain should be allowed to choose.”

Flossy Lyford wants policies that show New Zealand trying to limit our contribution to global warming and would like to see us ban plastic bags.

“Bring back carbon tax and actually force companies to pay,” said Lyford.

Online voting was also brought up multiple times, as well as better public transport and renting conditions.

Otago University student Josephine Jefferson wanted cheaper sanitary items such as tampons.

“I think the tax on sanitary products such as tampons should be reduced or removed, they are a necessary hygiene product,” said Jefferson.

“We don’t choose to have periods yet we still have to pay.”

Lewis Brown, another Otago University student feels strongly about bettering public transport.

“I would like cleaner public transport like buses, because of the old gum stuck to seats and dirt everywhere, and they often smell,” said Brown.

Sarah Kelly* felt strongly about public transport, as well as better rental standards.

“Landlords should actually fix things in your flat when it breaks instead of leaving you fridge-less for two weeks,” said Kelly.

*Related to reporter.