Hawke's Bay students selected for environmental forum

Arabella McLeay, 17, one of three students selected to attend the YELF environmental forum in Auckland. Photo/Supplied

Three students from Hawke's Bay are taking part in a week-long environmental forum in Auckland later this month.

Anneke Mayhead, Arabella McLeay and Oskar Lynch have been selected to attend the Youth EnviroLeader Forum (YELF), run by the Sir Peter Blake Trust.

Arabella McLeay, a Year 13 student at Havelock North High School, said this year's theme of the oceans interested her.

Her desire to protect the seas stemmed from trips to marine reserves with her parents, and Arabella's mother suggested applying to go to the forum.

"It was actually my mum who saw the link [to the YELF website]," the 17-year-old said.

Arabella is involved in a number of extra-curricular activities, including the school's environment committee.

"People take the environment for granted," she said.

"We need to take an interest."

Arabella would be joined by 60 other students from around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

The fully funded programme was planned and run in partnership with the Ministry for the Environment.

There were a range of activities planned for the week, including a visit to Orakei Marae to learn about iwi sustainability initiatives and taking part in a microplastics lab.

The students would also learn about marine conservation at the Leigh Marine Laboratory at Goat Island and spend two days with the Navy to learn leadership skills.

Sir Peter Blake Trust CEO Shelley Campbell said the annual forum gave students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and learn about the environment.

"It's amazing to see how much they develop in one week and this is just the beginning of their journey with us," she said.

Anneke Mayhead, from Napier Girls' High School, also 17, was excited about the trip.

"I am looking forward to working with other students to develop practical strategies we can use to help our oceans," she said.

Oskar Lynch, in Year 12 at Napier Boys' High School, was looking forward to learning how to improve New Zealand's environment.

"Having spent several years overseas in Ireland, I have come to appreciate how beautiful and varied the New Zealand landscape is."

Ms Campbell said it was important to teach secondary school students about the environment and the oceans.

"The health of our oceans is a complex issue and we need to start upskilling our young people now," she said.

"They are the ones that will ultimately address it."

Students attending YELF were eligible to take part in Sir Peter Blake Trust trips to the Kermadec or sub-Antarctic islands.

The forum was due to take place from April 18-24.