Three Waikato students selected for Youth Environment Forum

Three Waikato high school students are off to Wellington this month to help create a better future for the planet. 

Environment Waikato has selected Hamilton students Sara Schaare and Charlotte Roose and Turangi student Zachary Hargood to represent our region at the 2008 Youth Environment Forum.

Sara is from Fairfield College, Charlotte is from Hillcrest High School and Zachary is from Taupo-nui-a-Tia College.

The forum, hosted by the Ministry for the Environment and the Sir Peter Blake Trust, brings together about 45 New Zealand students aged 15-18 for four days of workshops and discussion about environmental issues.

The students work on projects related to topical environmental issues such as waste, water conservation, climate change and sustainability. They will present their projects to invited guests at Parliament Building’s Grand Hall.

Delegates will also meet Environment Minister Trevor Mallard, Sir Peter Blake Trust ambassadors and Ministry for the Environment acting chief executive Howard Fancy.

Environment Waikato’s Schools Programme Co-ordinator Dean King said the forum, now in its fifth year, was a fantastic opportunity for students to meet with other young environmental leaders, build environmental management skills and be inspired to continue to make a difference in their communities.

“The successful applications from the three students clearly demonstrated how they have contributed to addressing environmental issues in the past,” Mr King said.

“They have a strong interest in a range of environmental issues such as water quality, energy, biodiversity and coastal issues, and all are members of school or community environmental groups.”

Every regional council in New Zealand selects three candidates to attend the forum, which will be held from April 27 to May 1.