Youth challenged to take environmental action

16 January 2015

The challenge is set for youth throughout Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty to put their summer holiday to good use – and get serious about the environment.

But this isn’t your average tree planting or estuary clean-up exercise. The Enspire Challenge is up and running, encouraging youth to use their power to make change a reality. How? By getting creative, and designing a five minute, TEDx-style video presentation that inspires people to think about what their natural environment means to them.

Organisers from the three local councils running the competition are hoping to receive entries that inspire, delight, innovate, and entertain.

“This is a great chance for young people to tell us what concerns and ideas they have for keeping land, water and wildlife healthy around Tauranga and the Western Bay,” said Bay of Plenty Regional Council Tauranga Harbour Programme Manager, Laverne Mortlock.

The competition is open to locals aged 12-24. Presentations can be created by individuals or teams and can be filmed simply on a smartphone or home video-camera. The winning video will earn its creator the opportunity to present at TEDx Tauranga 2015 in July, and receive training from the event’s speaking coaches. There are also prizes of $500, $300 and $200 Prezzy cards on offer for the top three entrants.

In addition to the video presentation, entrants can also submit a project proposal to turn an idea for environmental action, of their own choice, into reality. Six $2000 grants, three in Tauranga City and three in the Western Bay are up for grabs.

“Young people bring so much innovation and energy to projects; they have real ‘wow’ factor,” said Western Bay of Plenty District Council Environment Development Officer Glenn Ayo.

“When us older folk get out of their way they absolutely flourish. This spontaneity and freshness is what I’m looking forward to,” he said.

“Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council all have a responsibility for our natural environment and the communities that live in our region, so we are all excited to be supporting this challenge to unleash young people’s creativity and help turn ideas into reality,” said Tauranga City Council Sustainability Advisor Michelle Elborn.

The competition is open until 13 March, 2015. Entries will open for viewing and public voting on the ‘EnspireBOP’ Facebook page, and some will be shown at a public screening for Earth Hour on 28 March, 2015.

For full information on the rules and how to enter, visitwww.facebook.com/EnspireBOP or www.boprc.govt.nz/enspire

ENDS.

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