2009 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum

These secondary school students came from regions all over New Zealand, from Whangarei to Invercargill. The Sir Peter Blake Trust and the Ministry for the Environment facilitated this event. Having experienced this forum first hand, I felt a powerful energy throughout the week as this opportunity allowed like-minded student leaders to discuss our nation’s environmental issues extensively. The Auckland delegates were Akash Rampal from Papatoetoe High School, Penelope Walbran-Oakely from Lynfield College, Rosy Herstell from Takapuna Grammar and I, Seo-jin Jeong from ACG Senior College. Individually, each has been actively involved in promoting environmental sustainability in our respective communities and schools so were well prepared for the week ahead. 

The main focus of the forum was for each student to research a project from a choice of Freshwater, Climate Change and Environmentally Responsible Business. The three groups were busy, each participating in fieldwork and creating a presentation on their findings. The Freshwater group tested water quality in surrounding waterways; the Climate Change team restored sand dunes at Petone Beach, whilst the Business crew toured environmentally responsible firms. I was part of the Business team and we learnt how Wellington firms were actively adopting their business practices for the benefit of the environment. We toured the Wellington City YHA backpackers as well and Kingsgate Portland Hotel. It was fantastic seeing eco-initiatives in action such as double-glazed windows, recycling systems and herb gardens. At the YHA, we conducted a waste audit, revealing 69% of the unsorted waste sample could be recycled. Having to grade the waste by hand was an effective way to closely examine how waste can be responsibly diverted. After all, Auckland is sending 3.4 million tonnes to landfills annually!

However, our time in Wellington was not all spent on projects. The larger group listened to a many speakers such as Sarah Sheeran from the Auckland Regional Council on Conscious Consumerism. The presentation was completely appropriate for a group of almost fifty teenagers! The Auckland and Whangarei delegates visited the birthplace of short story writer, Katherine Mansfield, and no trip to Wellington could be complete without a tour of Te Papa. While most of the students went on a Highlights tour of the museum, a few others and myself viewed Monet and the Impressionists exhibition. We also braved the Wellington cold, rain and wind with a night walk at Karori Sanctuary. Two kilometres from the CBD, the site was surprisingly thriving with native plant, insect and bird species and we spotted Kiwi, Brown Teal and glow worms.

On the final day we presented our findings to politicians and members of the Sir Peter Blake Trust, Ministry for the Environment and other NGOs at the Banquet Hall in Parliament. A few Auckland delegates were introduced to guest Nikki Kaye, Auckland Central National MP who invaluably offered us her support. Each group’s showcase was informative, interesting and inspiring. The main message projected was that New Zealand has very real and urgent environmental issues regarding our water quality, climate change and private sector that need to be resolved in order to maintain our internationally acclaimed green image.

To learn during tough times of the recession, the organizations that provided such a unique learning experience for youth was humbling. I feel opportunities such as these are investments in building leaders for New Zealand’s future that will reap benefits in the long term. There is no doubt our city’s four delegates came back inspired to tackle our city’s environmental issues!