The 2019 Hawke’s Bay Youth Environment Council has hit the ground running with decisions already made on exciting
activities planned for this year.
The Youth Environment Council will work with Sustainable Coastlines on litter surveys, has a planned beach clean-up at
Marine Parade during Youth Week 18 – 26 May. They are also sharing their ideas on Radio Kidnappers.
Future events include movie nights, field trips and a quiz challenge. First however is the beach clean-up planned for
Friday 24 May. Everyone is welcome, starting from the carpark behind Ocean Spa at 4 pm. The Youth Environment Council
plans to embrace the 2019 Youth Week’s theme: "We are more than you see – He wai hōhonu a mātou". To register your
interest and for more details on this event check out the YEC Facebook page.
Made up of 16 High School students from Napier Girls’, Hastings Girls’, Taradale High School and Sacred Heart College,
the Youth Environment Council organises events and advocates for the environment with support from Hawke’s Bay Regional
Council. Members come from a range of backgrounds and all have different inspirations for joining.
“I joined the Environment Council to expand my knowledge and encourage my peers to become more involved in helping to
sustain the planet,” explains YEC Member Sami Thomas, from Napier Girls’ High School.
YEC members hope to use what they learn to share with their peers, such as Manraj Kaur, “Being the school’s council
secretary will give me an opportunity to bring back a variety of ideas and views to our Hastings Girls’ High School
community”.
With so many projects on the go the Youth Environment Council’s Facilitator, Jake Brookie, is excited to see the
commitment shown by members so far.
“The YEC are leading the way in developing their own events. There’s lots of planning to do but they are well on the way
to a successful year, and would appreciate any support you can give them!”