Political activism surge driven by students

Marika Hill, stuff.co.nz

A new generation of voters are taking their demands to the streets rather than polling booths.

There has been a surge in political activism amongst students in New Zealand, despite the youth having the worst rates for enrolling to vote compared with other age groups.

Otago University politics lecturer Bryce Edwards said Generation Y want action now, rather than waiting for parliamentary processes.

"Many people feel voting and parliamentary politics doesn't really resonate in the same with us as it used to."

Young people tended to be more attuned to social media than the circus-like antics of aging politicians, he said.

This trend has seen a global surge in younger people becoming more involved with politics outside the caucus.

Worldwide grassroots movements include consumer boycotts, petitions and protests.

"People are used to voting for parties and not seeing change bought about as a result. There's a bit more sense of being in control of your activity when you have a protest – it's more immediate," Dr Edwards said.

Hundreds of students joined a nationwide protest against a bill to make student union membership voluntary recently.

Students again took to the streets last week over the cost of education. About 50 people stormed Auckland University to protest a proposal to lift tuition fees 4 per cent.

Dr Edwards said those groups remained a minority without a strong political vehicle, but if the recession deepened it could draw more people in to action.

"They could have some influence coming up to election day, but it's not going to be game changer."

Student protest organiser Jai Bentley-Payne said the resurgence of activism stems from youth feeling let down by the political system. "Young people live in probably the most stimulating period in history ... they're overwhelmed in many ways."