Ngaruawahia teenager attends environmental forum
The Sir Peter Blake Trust and the Ministry for the Environment funded an Enviroleaders Youth Forum recently for young people from around the country.
Ngaruawahia teenager Wednesday Gilbert was one of 48 young people chosen nationwide to attend the Sir Peter Blake Enviroleaders Youth Forum in Auckland last month.
Miss Gilbert returned home convinced of the importance of acting locally to make a national environmental impact.
“One of the lessons I learnt was that with one action we take here locally, whether it’s choosing which shampoo brand to buy, there is always an impact globally.
“Our ‘sustainable tourism’ group visited Goat Island during the forum and we snorkelled in the marine reserve and learnt how small things can impact on the environment,” Miss Gilbert said.
“It’s so important to educate people in protecting our beautiful coasts.”
The hands-on forum saw the students undertake projects which resulted in near professional presentations to business and environmental figures, as well as MPs.
Regional council schools programme coordinator Andrea Soanes said it is inspiring to see youth coming up with innovative ideas to make a difference in addressing environmental issues.
“These students have shown a keenness to continue with environmental work in their local communities, as well as to encourage other young people to get involved too,” she said.
The annual event is run by the Sir Peter Blake Trust in conjunction with the Ministry for the Environment.
The forum was attended by 48 representatives aged 15 – 18, from around New Zealand.
