Mount Aspiring College (MAC) student Isobel Smith’s passion for youth representation was the spark that helped her win a recent district Rotary speech competition.

Isobel (17), a Year 13 student and the MAC Board of Trustees student representative, will receive the Martyn Jensen Cup and $1000 of prize money, which she plans to put towards her tertiary studies.

Isobel’s speech argued that lowering the voting age to 16 passes the Rotary four way test: Is it the truth; Is it fair to all concerned; Will it build goodwill and better friendships; And will it be beneficial to all mankind?

“I chose this topic because I’m passionate about representation for all, particularly our rangatahi who are all too often ignored,” Isobel told the Wanaka App.

She said her passion had grown since taking a ‘Citizenship and Community Belonging’ Life Skills class at MAC. 

“After learning more about the topic while writing the speech, I decided to join the organising committee of ‘Make It 16 Inc’.” 

‘Make It 16 Inc’ is a nonpartisan youth-led campaign that argues voting is a fundamental human right and there is insufficient justification to stop 16 and 17-year-olds from voting. 

“We’re taking our case to the High Court in Wellington on Monday 24 August arguing that the voting age of 18 is unjustified age discrimination and a breach of human rights. Lowering the voting age can only make our democracy stronger,” Isobel said.

Before the COVID-19 lockdown in March, Isobel competed in person at the Wanaka Rotary Club level of the speech competition, winning against other students from MAC. She was expecting to compete in the Central Lakes competition in April, but this had to be held online due to the pandemic restrictions.

After winning the area competition, her speech video was forwarded to the district competition. District 9980 comprises the lower half of the South Island, from Oamaru south.

The second place getter was Sam White, Invercargill North Rotary Club (Southland Boys High), receiving $500; third was Laura Canton, Dunedin Club (Logan Park High School), $300; and fourth was Sadie Wech, Winton Club (Central Southland College), $200.

Wilkinson Rodgers Law sponsored the competition.

PHOTO: Supplied