18 October, 2013

35 students attend 2013 NRC Youth Summit

Thirty-five students from throughout Northland have gathered for the 2013 Northland Regional Council Youth Summit in Whangarei.

The 18th annual summit, held at Whangarei’s Onerahi Yacht Club yesterday, (SUBS: Thurs 17 Oct) saw students discuss coastal environmental issues and what they could do to make a difference.

The day-long workshop brought together Year Seven and Eight students from 16 Northland schools.

The summit explored ways in which young people can play an active role in the future sustainable management of Northland’s coast and the catchments feeding it.

Students from around the region (from Ngataki in the Far North to Ruawai in the south) developed action plans to help sort out local sustainable management challenges including lack of wetland biodiversity knowledge, poor water quality and erosion.

Northland Regional Council Environmental Education Officer Susan Botting says it’s encouraging to see Northland students taking an active interest in protecting and preserving their local marine environment.

“The work of these students makes a real contribution to the health of Northland’s estuaries, harbours and coastlines. That’s important for all Northlanders.”

The students’ efforts will contribute to the health of Bay of Islands, Hokianga Harbour, Houhora Harbour, Kaipara Harbour, Moetangi Stream (Mitimiti), Ngunguru Estuary, Rarawa Beach, Waipu Estuary and Whangarei Harbour.

ENDS

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