2027 Programme
Strengthening Democracy Project 2027
The aims of the strengthening democracy project are:
1 To increase understanding of the concept of democracy.
2. To identify its strengths and weaknesses.
3. To appreciate the way the democratic process plays out, especially in terms of checks and balances in New Zealand.
4. To encourage active participation in the democratic process especially beyond school at either the local or national level.
Workshop details
The workshops give students the opportunity to hear from, and engage directly with, people who hold positions of power and responsibility within New Zealand’s democratic system.
Each workshop will explore a topic that will help students develop their ideas for the 2027 Challenge. The Challenge itself will be outlined at the first workshop.
All workshops will be held at Loaves and Fishes, beside the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Hill Street, Thorndon. It starts with afternoon tea from 4 pm with workshops between 4.20 and 6.15 pm. The actual speakers at each workshop will be added as confirmed.
The workshop dates and topics are:
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22 February — What is Democracy and Why Strengthen It?
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15 March — Constitutional Framework
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5 April — Putting Yourself Forward
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3 May — Checks and Balances
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24 May — The Future: Bringing It All Together
Speakers for each session will be announced early in the new year.
Other key dates
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2 June — Challenge submissions due
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Sunday 13 June — Challenge presentations
(If more teams enter, part of Saturday 12 June may also be required.) -
Week of 21 June — Final presentations
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2 July — Schools notified of the results
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Week of 26 July — Cullen Breakfast celebration
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5 August — Celebration Day
What students themselves say about the programme
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It provides a unique opportunity to directly engage with the ideas and individuals that shape our democracy
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There are very few initiatives like the Project that enable young people and high school students to understand democracy and government with the key decision makers in NZ.
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It gives students a chance to interact with important figures in New Zealand and Wellington and allows for them to learn about democracy and politics in the world around us.
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Great opportunity for students to learn about government and learn from interesting people
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It has been helpful to educate me it has been a chipper experience I would be unable to get through other means.
Further information
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Details of the 2026 programme and videos of winning teams can be found here.