Two Weeks of Endless Opportunities
It has been hard to put these last two weeks into words. Not because I don’t have anything to say, it’s quite the opposite, I have too much to say.
It all started the day my exams concluded on the 19th of June. Both my exams went extremely well and I am proud to say I have had the best University trimester yet. Since the 19th I have had at least one environmental opportunity/event every day.
These two weeks started with sending several applications, one of which was sent to the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) New Zealand. I was applying to be part of the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) for which my application was deemed successful a day later. I began my research. I wanted to know everything I could about Dr. Jane’s work and the programmes JGI was involved with, later accepting my place as the sixth member on the (NZ NYLC).
In the days leading up to the Forest and Bird Conference (June 24th/25th) I took part in some special filming, had professional photos taken for Victoria University, wrote a few blog posts, had a skype meeting, sent many emails and watched documentaries featuring Dr. Jane Goodall or Antarctic expeditions (for my Sir Peter Blake Antarctic Ambassador application).
The Forest and Bird Conference was held over two days, at which I was ‘looking after’ the Forest & Bird Youth delegates in attendance. Most of the delegates were my age, older or at least taller… so I didn’t really look after them, but I did get to tell them some of my stories and make great friends. I thoroughly enjoyed the conference this year, with a youth twist on things there were new discussions and endless opportunities. I am extremely proud of my friend Connor, who I met on the Sir Peter Blake Young Environmental Leaders Forum (YELF) in 2015. He has been thoroughly involved in creating the Forest & Bird Youth and already has some incredible goals for us to work towards. It was very empowering being surrounded by these high achieving young people who all have their unique strengths and experiences to share. Another highlight was meeting a large group of youth passionate about nature photography! I have always been the photographer of my friends group, so meeting these talented photographers means many photography adventures are now on the horizon. During the conference, we heard from a variety of guest speakers on topics of climate change, water quality, oceans, biodiversity, Antarctica, agriculture, iwi relations, education, youth, health and safety, politics and conservation involvement. It was hard to see the youth depart for their hometowns after an amazing two days together, but we will stay in contact and through Forest & Bird Youth there will be many opportunities in the future to meet up again.
On June 26th, I attended my first Jane Goodall Institute event. The timing of my application could not have been more perfect, coinciding with the Tomorrow & Beyond Tour New Zealand. I had already purchased tickets several months earlier to hear Dr. Jane talk, so being able to help was very uplifting. I met so many enthusiastic environmental activists while manning part of the merchandise stall between her talks. This night was extremely inspiring and her stories were relatable in so many ways. She made me think about my contributions to making the future a better place, she empowered me, brought me to tears and taught me so much. I was so very humbled to get the chance to meet her and talk to her about the work Kids Greening Taupo (KGT) has contributed over the last two and a half years. She signed a couple of books for me, one of which I bought to donate and present to the KGT leaders a few days later. While talking to Dr. Jane I made the mistake of saying “I hope to achieve even a part of what you have achieved so far”. She then went on to tell me “you will go on to do even more than what I will do, you are well on your way… remember nothing is impossible, dream big and follow your passions”. Dr. Jane is extremely humble and I am glad to say that due to this I could relate to her on a whole new level. She is a normal person, an extraordinary individual yes, but just like any one of us she started with a big dream. She committed to this and due to her hard work she not only achieved this but contributed much more to the environment than people originally believed was possible. She broke through many barriers in science. Most importantly she was a woman… back then women were not seen as scientists, she redefined the boundaries between humans and chimpanzees and she recognised the interconnectedness of the Earth’s systems. She knew that to help her beloved chimpanzees she had to focus on wider environmental issues. Those relating to animals, environment and people. Her various programmes now reach many countries, all making significant change leading to a better world for future generations.
On June 27th I visited Wellington Zoo to hear Dr. jane talk to the local schools on her Roots & Shoots youth programmes. I arrived super early because who doesn’t love visiting the zoo! Shortly after arriving I was asked whether I wanted to feed the monkeys, an easy decision (obviously yes). I was then handed two pinecones filled with porridge to throw towards the monkeys on the island (I had always wondered how they were fed)… how cool! Lucky me Dr. Jane and the members of JGI happened to be there early and I joined their group to watch Dr. Jane being filmed, talking to the local school groups, planting a tree and hearing about special animals at the zoo from the zoo staff. It was wonderful to see Dr. Jane in her element, watch her gently plant the new tree, having each child put some dirt around the base and then kissing a leaf of the tree. It was a beautiful sight. Her talk later in the day was wonderful and it was great to hear about the work I can look forward to being involved in with the National Youth Leadership Council. We have already talked about so many ideas and I look forward to being part of the Bye Bye Plastic Bags NZ campaign.
At 7:30pm that night I hopped on a bus back home to Taupo arriving at 1:40am on the 28th (sorry mum and dad).
On the 28th at 9:30am I hopped on another bus, this time I joined the Kids Greening Taupo Leaders travelling to Spa Park for a day planning an upcoming Community Planting Day, weeding, taking bird counts and telling stories. I photographed the day, helping the new student photographer to settle in (although she was already a pro). When it came to the weeding I got stuck into the blackberry with two others, it was great to still feel connected into Kids Greening Taupo and to see the importance of multi-age leadership. Everyone there benefitted from being outside and doing their part. On the bus ride home I presented the book signed by Dr. Jane. The kids loved hearing parts of the story from her first research project to the studies in Gombe… I loved the book so much that I bought a second copy of my own (I am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer).
On the 29th I headed to my old college- Tauhara College to present the book to the older Kids Greening Taupo leaders. I talked to them about the opportunities available and how my journey had started. It was lovely to see old friends and to catch up with them, hearing about the wonderful things they had been achieving. I then sat in on a Kids Greening Taupo meeting, helped write a blog on the Facebook page and talked to Thea (DOC Education Coordinator) about the direction Kids Greening Taupo is heading.
Since the 29th I have been making several short video clips for JGI NZ and keeping busy with Forest & Bird Youth emails, competitions and ideas.
To every person involved in my life; thankyou for these incredible opportunities and for listening to a voice for nature. There’s an exciting road ahead and I am keen to share my journey, thoughts and experiences with you all.
