Aneke Kilbride, has been named today as this year’s Fred Hollows NZ Junior Ambassador for taking on her local District
Council about the region’s environmental footprint. The 11-year-old student from Paekakariki School took her
environmental action to the next level when she spoke at a Kapiti Coast District Council planning meeting earlier this
year, telling councillors and members of the public about environmental issues and the impact they are having on the
local community.
Aneke
The passionate young Kiwi also spoke about the longer-term impact of global warming on her generation even challenging
Kapiti Coast Mayor K Gurunathan to approach companies to stop plastic packaging rather than organising more bins.
The Fred Hollows Humanity Awards, now in their third year in New Zealand, are inspired by legendary New Zealander and
founder of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, the late Professor Fred Hollows. The Awards recognise young New Zealanders
who strive to make the world around them better and embody the values of compassion, integrity and kindness.
Principal of Paekakariki School, Julia Bevin, who nominated Aneke for the award says the plucky student isn't afraid to
speak out or stand up for what is right.
“Aneke is passionate about encouraging and supporting sustainable practices. This involves connecting with others in our
community to learn about local environmental issues and actions that students can take to address these.”
CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, Dr Audrey Aumua says the courage and leadership Aneke demonstrated by challenging
those in power to step up for the community encapsulates the qualities of Fred Hollows.”
“Fred championed the right of all people to have high quality and affordable eye care and he spent his life standing up
for that right.”
“Climate change is already affecting the people we work with across the Pacific, and it is only through the efforts of
courageous young people like Aneke that action will be taken to minimise the devastation it will cause, both in the
Pacific and closer to home,” says Dr Aumua.
Aneke was presented her award this morning and congratulated by The Foundation’s Ambassador Indira Stewart. She will
also extend her good work by donating $5,000 to a Pacific Programme run by The Foundation, thanks to charity partner
Specsavers.
Nine outstanding young New Zealanders also received Fred Hollows Humanity Awards for their outstanding efforts. They
are:
Skylar Coates - Hurupaki School, Northland
Amalia Port - Snells Beach School, Auckland
Liam Jones - Helensville Primary School, Auckland
Murtaza Hussaini - Sylvia Park School, Auckland
Georgia Hall - Aberdeen School, Hamilton
Lakeisha Collier – Horohoro School, Bay of Plenty
Collinz Kennedy-Diack - Greendale/Tamatea Scout Group, Hawkes Bay
Hamish Gallen - Waituna West School, Manawatu
Lucia Dumbill - Ngaio School, Wellington