Media Release

Youngsters learn to care for the environment at Eco Carnival

7 November, 2014

More than 250 Rotorua primary school students learned more about their environment and what they can do to look after it at the Rotorua Youth Environment Forum's (RYEF) Eco Carnival at Ray Boord Park yesterday.

The Eco Carnival turned local environmental issues and solutions into fun activities for the Year 5 to 8 students. The event was hosted by RYEF and Bay of Plenty Regional Council with activities provided by Department of Conservation, Waiariki, Keep Rotorua Beautiful, Rotorua District Council, Envirohub and Trees for Survival.

Display stalls and activities on kaitiakitanga, waste water, biosecurity and recycling showed students the practical side of working with the environment. Students also planted more than 700 trees along the Utuhina Stream.

Tables were turned on teacher Sue Taylor who was made to put pedal to the metal and make her class, Lake Rerewhakaaitu School’s Room 3, cycle-powered smoothies.

“The stalls and activities showed children the actions they can do to help their environment, both at home and in their communities or schools,” said 18-year-old RYEF member, Patience Ngara.

“The Eco Carnival was our second major event organised for primary school students this year. We hope to hold more events in the future which get the Rotorua community excited about looking after the environment.”

“Our aim is to increase environmental awareness amongst Rotorua’s youth and create proactive attitudes about environmentally-friendly lifestyles within the community,” Ms Ngara said.

The Rotorua Youth Environmental Forum is a group of secondary schools students established and supported by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which organises activities and events to increase environmental awareness among Rotorua’s young people. The Forum meets weekly at Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s offices on Wednesdays 3.30-4.30pm, and any Year 9-13 students can join.

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