Name

Brierley Penn

Age

16

Ethnicity

English

What do you do i.e. school/training/ work?

Am a year thirteen student attending Wanganui High School

How long have you been on the Youth Committee?

This is my first year as a Youth Councillor.

Why did you join the Youth Committee?

Firstly, I am dedicated to seeing an improvement in the standards by which Wanganui youth live their lives, and I felt that through the Youth Committee I would be able to make a positive and productive contribution to my community. Furthermore, as I am hoping to one day enter a career in politics, joining the Youth Committee seemed a logical first step towards this goal.

What do you want to see in Wanganui for the young people?

I hope to see young people getting more involved in their community, and also more active, such as through organised sporting activities etc.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I hope to enter the fields of politics or international relations.

What are your goals for the future?

I will study at either Auckland or Wellington University for a Bachelor of Commerce, and either a Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in international relations. After university, I hope to enter the field of politics or international relations of some kind.

What do you want to achieve out of life?

I hope to make a difference, and to be remembered by people as having made a significant positive contribution to society. I personally measure success in terms of happiness, and so hope to have a job which I can enjoy, and also to have strong and mutually beneficial relationships with my friends and family.

Describe your family and what they mean to you.

I live with my mum, Fiona, my dad, David and my brother, James (14) and sister, Gabrielle (10). I am a very family-oriented person, and have an extremely close relationship with my family. I love and respect the trusting, giving and caring relationship which my family has with one another.

Favourite food?

Antipasto platters (brie, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, French bread, pesto, prawns, salmon); having said that, I also adore a good curry – usually cooked by dad - or the best fillet steak you can find! Good food is an integral part of my life!

Favourite music?

I love music by artists such as the Killers, Basshunter and Coldplay.

What's your 'style'?

Smart/casual i.e. skirts or jeans with a nice t-shirt or sweatshirt

Favourite shop in Wanganui?

Cheapskates

Favourite place to be?

Travelling; my favourite cities which I have visited thus far are London, Paris and Bangkok.

What do you do for fun?

My interests involve debating and Model United Nations, having represented the region and the country respectively in these fields, so a large portion of my free time is dedicated to these pursuits. I also enjoy relaxing by spending time with my friends, swimming, running and reading.

Favourite episode of Spongebob and why?

I'm unfortunately not a Spongebob fan. I haven't had the time to watch a Spongebob episode for about the last seven years…:)

Favourite TV Show?

Desperate Housewives

Anything else?