Volunteering on Te Hōnonga a Iwi is helping our youth leaders feel more connected to the environment and more hopeful for its future, according to a recent survey.
Youth leader Elouise Kidd conducted the research as part of a new strategic role she has taken on to better understand the voices of young people involved in the project and act based on their feedback.
Eleven of the 13 respondents to the survey hope to contribute to climate change mitigation through their work as a youth leader at Te Hōnonga a Iwi.
Many young people working on the restoration expressed interest in connecting with other youth leaders, as often they work independently. Elouise hopes to facilitate this by forming a youth focus group.
For the youth leaders, the top two priorities at the restoration were ‘increasing biodiversity’ and ‘involving local businesses and sharing resources.’
“These are already areas of focus within Te Hōnonga a Iwi, and the input of youth voice is of great value and encouraging as we move forward to workshop ideas in the focus group,” says Elouise.
“Much of what we hear about the environment and climate change is painted negatively. Although systems need to change, it’s so important that we stay hopeful, optimistic, and motivated to find ways to co-exist with and adapt to the impacts of climate change while mitigating further preventable damage. It is exciting to hear that young people are ready to take on these challenges and are already doing something about it.”
The work with other youth leaders is not Elouise’s only role at the restoration project. She is also involved with pest management along Alexander Stream, with support from Louis Foot, pest co-ordinator with the Upper Waitemata Ecology Network (UWEN).
“I am beyond grateful to have landed this role in such a fantastic project. Although I don’t find joy in the sight of dead possums (I don’t think anyone does!), I am excited to be a part of decreasing pest abundance in the area so our native taonga species can thrive.”
Elouise learned about the Restoring Rosedale Park project when she participated in a UWEN planting day as part of the University of Auckland Volunteer Club.
“Since the project is down the road from me, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of such a forward-thinking, well-rounded, local restoration.”
Elouise is a fourth-year student at the University of Auckland, studying a conjoint in Science (Environmental Science and Ecology) and Design. She plans to continue working in conservation next year, hopefully while pursuing a Master's in Biosecurity and Conservation.
“I am always learning in this space. We can only do so much as individuals, but pressuring systems to change is something we can do together. Talking about it is one way to help protect the environment. Having constant conversations and discussions is easy as we try to make sense of this complicated predicament we have gotten ourselves into.”
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