Local school children speak for the planet
In a New Zealand first, school students from across Christchurch are coming together this Friday, June 7th in a Speak 4
The Planet student competition. The top speeches and artists from fourteen schools will come together to vie for the top
spots and exciting eco-prizes and public can come and listen too.
Speak 4 The Planet is a year 7 to 13 speech and art competition based on the World Environment Day themes of beating
plastic pollution and fighting air pollution. Both are hot topics addressing biodiversity and climate breakdown issues
that will impact these children more than most of us.
“We’ve seen the youth step up across the world and here in Christchurch with the school strike for climate.” says
Michelle Whitaker, who is project managing the event for Sustainable Ōtautahi Christchurch. “I’m very interested in what
our young people are thinking and want to support young people to have their say. In this competition they can do this
through various types of speeches and art. It will be both entertaining and informative.”
Jocelyn Paprill from NZAEE says “the schools and teachers have really got behind the students involvement, run mini
competitions themselves and bringing the best to the main event. A couple of young girls spoke really well at the School
Strike for Climate and we’re really excited that they’re participating in our event too.”
“We have got some amazing people and sponsors on board,” says Ms Whitaker, “our art judges include Henry Sutherland from
Ara and Nicola Wallace-Bell representing Christchurch Arts Festival. The judging of the speeches will be done by Sara
Templeton, Christchurch City Councillor who is a great environmental advocate; Matt Morris from Sustainability Office,
Canterbury University who on the side creates organic fermented goodies under the guise of The Urban Monk; Helen
Townsend who set up the wonderful social enterprise The Rubbish Whisperer; and Cody Harrington and Celina Templeton
speech gurus from local Toastmasters.”
What Ms Whitaker also is excited about is the two MCs. “Megan and Ollie are from Ara’s Sustainability and Outdoor
Education course. They are naturally fun and entertaining, know their stuff and will set the youth vibe well. We really
encourage people to pop in, check out the wonderful art and hear some speeches. The students will be doing prepared
speeches, impromptu and spoken word.” The event is this Friday, June 7th, 9.30 to 3pm at TSB, Tūranga. Prize giving at
4.30pm.
Organised by a partnership between Sustainable Ōtautahi Christchurch and the local branch of the New Zealand Association
for Environmental Education (NZAEE). It is supported by SIFT (Sustainable Initiatives Fund Trust) a charitable trust
that funds projects that create or inspire long-term environmental benefits.
More details www.sustainablechristchurch.org.nz and on facebook @sustainablechristchurch.
ENDS