Green theme inspires students

Pulling on their Sir Peter Blake red socks are Tamahauiti Potaka (left), Rotorua Boys' High School, Loren Skudder-Hill, John Paul College and Hamish Dodd, Rotorua Lakes High School. Photo / Neil Mackenzie

Three of Rotorua's brightest students were chosen from hundreds of applicants nationwide to participate in the 12th annual Sir Peter Blake Youth EnviroLeaders' Forum.

The forum, which is being held in Rotorua, began on Saturday and will finish on Friday.

It has seen 52 students develop their leadership skills, learn about topical environmental issues and about two of Rotorua's main industries - forestry and eco-tourism.

Rotorua Lakes High School Year 11 student and youth enviro-leader Hamish Dodd was enjoying meeting like-minded youth.

"That has been great - meeting other like-minded people, exchanging our opinions and thoughts about the future on many different subjects; we've been doing conservation, climate change, how to deal with the effects of larger storms and all the civic and cultural effects this will have on people."

John Paul College Year 12 student Loren Skudder-Hill was also happy to meet other environmentally-focussed youth, as well as develop her leadership skills.

"It's amazing how fast we have already been able to make lots of connections with other people and lots of friends.

"The highlight is meeting like-minded students but also there has been such a large focus on developing our leadership skills which has been beneficial - there are so many practical implications for having a strong set of leadership skills."

Rotorua Boys' High School Year 12 student Tamahauiti Potaka said the forum had been interesting and engaging.

"It's definitely pushed my boundaries of knowledge."

He said he had always been interested in environmental issues and was enjoying being surrounded by other youth passionate about the environment.

"The highlight is to be surrounded by people who have ideas and want to do something for a cause. I have been interested in environmental issues ... I have always had a strong connection to my land."