We are a group of adolescents who are campaigning to lower NZ's voting age to 16. This is in line with the NZ Bill of Rights and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. In 2022, the NZ  Supreme Court declared the current age of 18, inconsistent with the Bill of Rights. A common argument is that 16-year-olds are unable to make informed decisions, however, there is no evidence supporting this claim. 16-year-olds are given many of the responsibilities that adults have, for example: driving, having a child, owning property, having a full-time job, and paying taxes. However, they are unable to have a say in the laws that will affect them. This is not logical. This is not a democracy.

We feel passionately about this as we are a group of 17-year-olds who want our opinions and beliefs represented in our society. We believe we are more than capable of making informed decisions, and so are owe this responsibility. We also feel this is a great injustice to all 16 and 17-year-olds who make equal contributions to our society. 

As a minority group with no voice or ability to express our opinions on situations that affect us, it's more important than ever for those who do have a voice to fight for this injustice. So if this resonated with you, please take the time to sign this petition and change Aotearoa for the better.