6 May 2013
Youth Leaders band together to Raise Awareness about Plastic Pollution in NZ
16 youth leaders from across some of New Zealand's biggest youth organisations are collaborating to raise awareness
about plastic pollution in New Zealand.
The team have built 4 double kayaks out of recycled plastic bottles that they will paddle nearly 100km down the
Whanganui River in the National Park next weekend.
The voyage will launch early morning on Sunday 12th May in Whakahoro, and finish the afternoon of Tuesday 14th May in
Pipiriki.
Former CEO of P3 Foundation Shruthi Vijayakumar and Founder of the ‘I AM’ Challenge Daniel Cullum have spearheaded the
project, addressing concerns about the plastic consumption and waste produced in New Zealand.
The pair first sparked their passions for environmental sustainability when they were selected for the Mike Horn Pangaea
Young Explorers Program, which took them exploring remote regions of the Earth on a 30 foot boat whilst learning about
nature and acting to preserve it.
The team of 16 paddlers, who will paddle 8 at a time, will be accompanied by a crew of 10 on support boats carrying
safety gear and the extra paddlers.
DOC, Air NZ, Canoe Safaris, Eco Store and the Mike Horn Pangaea Young Explorers Program have all helped the crew with
financial sponsorship or gear.
ENDS