Green issues fire up city students

The 52 youth delegates at the closing of the Sir Peter Blake Youth Enviroleaders Forum. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua's "inspiring and beautiful landscape" provided the ideal backdrop for youngsters discussing environmental issues facing New Zealand.

The week-long Sir Peter Blake Youth Enviroleaders Forum closes today after hosting 52 senior students from various regions.

This year's forum focused on fresh water management, planning and eco-tourism and how to develop strategies to address issues relating to these.

Programme director for environmental programmes Hannah Prior said this year's delegates were "the best we've had yet".

"This year's forum started with a simulated surprise kidnapping by the navy which I think helped the students form a close knit group.

"All week they shared their success stories, talked through ideas and supported each other. It was clear they all really got into the spirit of the forum which was fantastic to see."

She said Rotorua had been a wonderful and inviting host.

"Rotorua was the ideal backdrop for this forum as it has such an inspiring and beautiful landscape. I feel we have only scratched the surface in this region and would love to come back to hold another forum."

The three students selected to represent the region were Hamish Dodd, Rotorua Lakes High School, Tamahauiti Potaka, Rotorua Boys' High School, and Loren Skudder-Hill, John Paul College.

Tamahauiti said the forum was a life changing experience.

"Walking into this experience I wouldn't have guessed it would have such an impact on my way of thinking and how I see my city.

"Before taking part in this forum I thought I was alone in this environmental battle but I now know there is support out there and other young people who think the way I do."

Tamahauiti hoped to get his school more involved in environmental projects.

"There is definitely more Boys' High could be doing to save and preserve the environment and I hope to encourage more of my peers to get involved."

The forum is run in conjunction with the Ministry for the Environment and over the week students had the opportunity to be involved in a whole range of activities.