Even in rural New Zealand anyone can make a difference on a global level, a Glenavy woman says.
Inspired by the death of her partner Ema McGeown, of Oamaru, a few years ago, Amber Hawkins is travelling to Thailand in August to help raise awareness about the darker side of the elephant tourism industry and help rehabilitate rescued elephants.
"I realised life was pretty short," she said.
She had always had an appreciation of the importance of animal welfare.
Her desire to help captive elephants was sparked when she saw an elephant which was part of a travelling circus chained up.