Ten Years of Baby Back Benches: Where the Future of Politics Gets a Mic

Youth political engagement in Aotearoa is shifting. Enrolment among 18–24-year-olds remains high, and participation in party youth wings and politics continues to grow. Students are increasingly stepping into political spaces that once felt distant. Baby Back Benches is one of them.

Now in its tenth year, the Public Policy Club’s flagship event returns to Shadows Bar this July — bringing together representatives from the youth wings of New Zealand’s political parties for a fast-paced night of policy, debate, and student-driven conversation. 

How it Works

The structure is simple. Panellists, nominated by their respective youth wings, respond to and debate questions on major issues such as housing, climate change, crime, and the cost of living. The format is intentionally direct, with little space for vague talking points or carefully rehearsed lines. The aim is substance over spin.

The idea took shape in 2016, drawing on the legacy of Back Benches, the political review show filmed at a pub just across the road from Parliament. Around the same time, AUSA had trialled a student debate during Politics Week. Between a contentious US election that captured global attention and rising political awareness on campus, the Public Policy Club saw an opportunity to create something uniquely student-led, and gave Baby Back Benches its name and shape.

Celebrating 10 Years of Conversation

In the decade since, the event has become a fixture in the university’s political calendar. While the panellists aren't career politicians, many bring real policy experience or grassroots organising insight to the table. Some past participants have gone on to work in Parliament, lead national campaigns, or take up leadership roles in their youth wings. Others come to represent their communities and ideas, speak to student concerns, and engage in public conversation that matters.

Baby Back Benches is less about scoring points and more about surfacing youth perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. The format brings emerging political voices into direct conversation and gives the student audience a chance to engage with politics as something they can question, shape, and take part in, rather than something that simply happens to them.

Meet the Speakers

This year marks the 10th anniversary of these conversations, and we are excited to introduce our speakers for the evening:

• Young ACT - Leo Grachev
• Young NZ First - Keegan Langeveld
• Young Nats - Laura Newman
• Young Greens - Caitlin Wilson
• Young TOP - Evan French
• Young Labour - Fania Kapao

Whether you’re politically invested, undecided, or just want to hear what your peers think about the future of Aotearoa, this is a night you don’t want to miss.

Politics is back on tap – don’t miss it.

🗓 Thursday 31st July

🕕 Doors open 6 PM | Debate from 6:30 PM

📍 Shadows Bar, 8 Alfred Street, Auckland CBD

🎤 Entry is free – seating is first come, first served 📲 Follow us on Instagram @uoappc for updates, panellist announcements, and to submit your questions for the night.