News Release

Young Mormons to Visit Parliament

Auckland law student Andrea Kapeteni says she's "very anxious and excited" about her upcoming visit to New Zealand's Parliament.

Andrea is one of around 40 young Mormons from across New Zealand heading to the nation's capital next week [Wednesday 29 August] to meet Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament.

The aim of the visit, according to organizer Anthony Wilson, is "to give some of our young people a chance to meet our nation's leaders, but even more importantly, to help the youth develop their vision and ability to become leaders in their homes, universities, workplaces, congregations and communities."

"One thing I'm really excited about," says Andrea Kapeteni, "is finally seeing where laws are actually made & debated. Learning about it in lectures is one thing, but being able to see where it all happens will make it so much more real for me."

"I look forward to learning more about how individuals can help make a difference in politics.  It'll be nice to chat to politicians we hear about in the media, and getting to know them as people."   

Andrea serves in various leadership roles in her church and at university.  She teaches two religion classes to fellow young adults, one during the week, and another on Sunday. 

She has also contributed in her Mormon congregation as a pianist, Primary music director (for the younger children), among other volunteer service capacities.

At university she is a media relations officer for the Pacific Island Law Students' Association (PILSA).

Before university she was Deputy Head Girl at St. Cuthbert's College in 2010, a 'Values Representative' in 2009 and 2010, and College Samoan Cultural Group Leader from 2006 to 2010.

Andrea also finds time to volunteer as a MATES mentor at One Tree Hill College and Massey High School as a private English tutor.

She says her short-term goals are to "pass all my second year law papers!"

"Mid-term goals," she goes on, “are to serve a full-time mission [with her church], graduate and be admitted to the bar here in New Zealand, and meet and marry Prince Charming."

One of her long range goals is to become a judge.

Similar visits to Parliament by young Latter-day Saints take place in Australia and other parts of the world.

Read more about young people in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this article.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.