Two Northland students chosen to attend environmental forum

Tove Petersson, 16, is one of two students from Northland chosen to attend the YELF environmental forum. Photo/Supplied

Two secondary school students from Northland have been selected to attend a youth environmental forum in Auckland later this month.

Tove Petersson, a Year 12 student at Whangarei Girls' High School, and Alex Edwards from Kerikeri would be attending the Youth EnviroLeaders Forum (YELF).

They are two of 60 students chosen from around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to take part in the forum.

Tove said she was looking forward to snorkelling at the Goat Island marine reserve and meeting other people interested in the environment.

"I have a friend at school who did it last year and she said it was really good," she said.

Tove is interested in coastal management issues and would like to work in the area when she finishes school.

The 16-year-old is a member of the Environmental Committee at her school and has won several science awards.

Even so, she did not expect to be chosen for YELF, she said.

"I couldn't believe it when they told me I was accepted."

The annual week-long forum is designed to teach high school students about leadership and environmental issues.

It is run by the Sir Peter Blake Trust in conjunction with the Ministry for the Environment.

The forum is fully funded for all 60 of the Year 11, 12 and 13 students.

Sir Peter Blake Trust CEO Shelley Campbell said the YELF experience was transformative.

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

The theme selected for this year is oceans, particularly ocean health, marine pollution and biodiversity.

Ms Campbell said the issues were both important and complicated.

"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."

The programme included two days with the Navy learning teamwork and leadership skills, as well as visits to Goat Island and Orakei Marae.

Students would also visit a lab to learn about the effect of microplastics from face washes on the ocean environment.

Alex Edwards, a Year 12 student at Kerikeri High School, said she was excited to be attending the forum.

"I am so passionate about the ocean and looking forward to learning more about it," she said.

The 15-year-old has won awards for both science and technology, and spearfishing.

The forum is planned for the week of April 18-24.