Holidays Mean Action for YHA Conservationists

5 July 2004

School Holidays Mean Action for YHA Young Conservationists Students still have time to work on their Awards entries

Having a hard time occupying the kids over the school holidays? Send away for a YHA Young Conservationist Awards application form, and soon they’ll be dreaming of an Eco-Trip to Australia. In 2003, 16-year-old James Kirkland won the YHA Young Conservationist Harakeke Award for his contribution to a school sand dune regeneration project at Wellington’s Days Bay. His conservation efforts were rewarded with a trip to Grampians YHA Eco Hostel in Halls Gap, Victoria. James enjoyed spending time abseiling with the Hostel-based Adventure Company and volunteering at the Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary.

Winning schools in the Wheke and Tuatara (group) categories each receive a $1,000 grant, to support the continuation of their conservation projects.

The Tui Award winner, representing the primary/intermediate individual entries, receives a conservation trip within New Zealand. In 2003, Tui winner John Sunley highlighted the risk of Didemnum vexillum, or sea squirts, spreading in Marlborough’s Waikawa Bay Marina. His prize trip included three nights at Te Anau YHA, an experience with local Tawaki Dive and an expedition to Deep Cove.

Primary, intermediate and secondary school students under the age of 18 may enter these Awards, sponsored by YHA New Zealand in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC). Projects can be located anywhere-- by a river, on the coast, in a local reserve, on a Marae or in entrants’ own backyards.

Entries close at 5 p.m. on 31 August 2004. Please contact YHA New Zealand for application forms, prize details and special conditions. Ring Mardi Neumann, YHA New Zealand, on 0800 278 299, e-mail mardi.neumann@yha.org.nz or visit www.stayyha.com

ENDS

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