Regional Council youth climate action camp inspiring next generation

Hawke’s Bay’s first youth climate action camp has successfully brought together passionate rangatahi and empowered them to take action on climate change.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chief executive James Palmer says the camp is the first in the region, and a great example of how councils, organisations and leaders can come together to tautoko and support the next generation.

“Climate change presents a huge challenge for Aotearoa, for our Hawke’s Bay community, and for our young people.  The Regional Council is prioritising climate action, and this camp leads into our Long Term Plan where we are focussed on climate change and the steps our region can take,” says Mr Palmer.

“There’s a huge opportunity for our region and our community to create innovative solutions to climate action and build an environment future generations can be proud of.”

Regional Council environmental educator Sally Chandler says it’s been inspiring and exciting to be part of the camp.

“The energy of the students has been fantastic to see, and hearing their goals for the future has been impressive.”

“Students from around Hawke’s Bay came to the camp, bringing their different perspectives, passion, and senses of humour. We had a great line up of speakers – including Sophie Handford who was the organiser of the School Strike for Climate and is a Kāpiti District Councillor, and the Regional Council’s very own Dr Kathleen Kozyniak, who’s our Principal Scientist Air.”

“We made lots of goals and created shared visions for the future, while building friendships. I’m expecting great things come out of this camp.”

The purpose of the  camp is to build the passion, understanding, and skills of our rangatahi youth to empower them to make changes for our future and help tackle the climate crisis. They will be invited to be part of our region’s Climate Change Strategy and work as a partner with our Regional Council, says Mrs Chandler.

Students came from William Colenso College, Tamatea High School, Taradale High School, Central Hawke's Bay College, Hastings Girls' High School, Napier Boys' High School, Sacred Heart College, and Havelock North High School.

The Regional Council will be consulting on its Long Term Plan during April, which includes action on climate change. Head to hbrc.govt.nz in April to have your say.

19 March 2021

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