Youth Rōpū

University of Canterbury (previously Papanui High School)

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

New Brighton Beach. It is somewhere I go with my friends to swim and eat ice cream and hot chips on the beach. It also has my favorite thrift stores!

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I'm hoping to strengthen my relationships and involvement within my community, I also want to continue to build my leadership skills as a young wāhine Māori.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I would definitely want to be able to teleport anywhere, any time. Cat stuck in a tree? I’m there! Craving authentic Indian cuisine? I’d have it in a flash. Wanting to swim but feeling too lazy to bus there? Easy as!

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Respect, attitude, and humility.

Papanui High School

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

My favourite place in Canterbury is the mouth of the Hurunui River. It’s a great spot to spend time in regardless of what you are up to. The scenery is gorgeous and my whānau and I love spending time there.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

Youth engagement is a kaupapa that I'm insanely passionate about, especially at a local/regional level. The Youth Rōpū is an amazing platform to engage young people with local government as well as to support and uplift them. The rōpū provides opportunities to discuss big-picture issues and make change on them. It also provides the opportunity to engage with decision-makers all the way up the tree and challenge them to take action.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

If I had one superpower it would be the ability to speak any language. Communication is something I value deeply and the ability to converse with anyone from anywhere would be an amazing experience.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, honesty.

Papanui High School

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

Arthur’s Pass. I’ve spent a lot of time outdoors there tramping and camping with school, so I have lots of fond memories. The amazing scenery always reminds me of The Lord of the Rings, plus it’s incredibly peaceful.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I’ve always been interested in advocating for the environment and civics education. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to merge the two. The Youth Rōpū seems like an amazing place to learn and grow while increasing the reach of youth participation and voice within Waitaha.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To be fluent in every language (including dead languages!).

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Respect, passion, resilience.

University of Canterbury (previously Cashmere High)

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

The top of Mount Herbert is my favourite place in Canterbury. On a clear day, the summit has views of the whole of Canterbury, Banks Peninsula and the ocean. You can see for yourself how close the mountains, the plains, the peninsula and the ocean are to each other, and the result of millions of years of geological evolution. It’s my favourite view, no photo does it justice, and seeing it all from that angle makes me feel like I can make a difference; I can see how interconnected our home is. Canterbury feels big when you see it from the highest point in the alps.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I hope that this experience will give me the opportunity to apply my knowledge of science to implement real world solutions, and further my passion for environmental policy making. I hope I’ll gain beneficial expertise for my future as an engineer and policy maker. I would like to learn more about the inner workings of institutions like Environment Canterbury, and how to effectively work within them to make a difference in my community. However, my foremost reason for applying for this role is to help others; I think that this council will allow me to make connections and work with others to make meaningful change, and that Environment Canterbury will help provide the resources we need to implement our ideas. I want to be a part of the solution to Canterbury’s challenges, and to work around people who have the same objectives as I do, so that we can achieve something important!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I would like to have superhuman endurance, never getting tired or sore, and never needing to slow down! This power would allow me to travel everywhere and see everything that the world has to offer. There are so many things I’d like to achieve in my life, and I feel like I have so little time to do it all. I want to do it all, and this superpower would improve my ability to make change, help others and live all my dreams!

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Connection, ambition, compassion.

Lincoln University (previously Trident High School, Whakatane)

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

My favourite place is the Port Hills or Sumner. I like the Port Hills because they have some really nice walking tracks and it’s a great place to relax. I also like Sumner - I love the beach during summer so I always like going there with my friends.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I want to be surrounded by like-minded people who are passionate about the environment. I also think it will help develop my leadership skills alongside other great leaders. I am passionate about change and want to be a voice for people.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Reading minds - I think it would be fun to know what people are thinking.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Kind, positive, and honest.

Cashmere High School

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

Arthur’s Pass because I have camped there a couple of times and have done many hikes. I love exploring the waterfalls, mountains, and forests, and when combined with the absence of technology, it is incredibly peaceful.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I'm really keen to be part of the conversation around what we can all do together to improve the environment of Canterbury and its surrounds.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Being able to control water and breathe underwater without oxygen tanks. 

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Confidence, honesty and creativity. 

Previously Hagley College

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

My love for the Hagley Gardens stems from my experiences as a student of Hagley College. In 2022, it became a place to clear my mind, to study, and helped to ease the transition from a rural town to urban city life.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I come from a family of wilderness-oriented people, where preserving and regenerating our environment has always been a priority. After gaining experience in environmental leadership throughout my life, I have developed an interest in the governmental aspects of climate policy and activism.

There are so few instances in which Christchurch youth have a space to collaborate. Yet, this Youth Rōpū proves that powerful change can be built when we are united. I have a keen interest in furthering the collaboration of Christchurch schools, doing away with the isolated institution style that our city has become known for, and instead working on social and environmental issues together.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Empathy: being able to understand the feelings and emotions of others. Throughout my experience working in climate activism and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have witnessed pointless conflict and miscommunication. I regularly wish that we could have a better understanding of others, particularly those with different world views, so that we may have more productive and empathetic conversations.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Commitment, equality, and learning.

University of Canterbury (previously St Thomas of Canterbury College)

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

Christchurch central. Seeing all the new buildings always reminds me of the resilience of our post-earthquake city. Plus, it’s just a generally great, lively place to hang out, with Riverside Market being a favourite place of mine to stop by.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I think that youth engagement, particularly where the environment is concerned (as negative long-term impacts on the environment will be left for us to deal with down the line), is an absolute must. I have loved seeing the communication that has been delivered by the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū (EYR), particularly around consultation on the 2022/23 Annual Plan and the general community engagement put together by the group. I would love to contribute to EYR’s past work as well as providing new ideas to help propel the Youth Rōpū forward to do even more good in the future.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Telekinesis, because I’m a big Star Wars fan. Or possibly teleportation, to save on time and CO2 emissions for overseas travel!

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Resilience, integrity, and kaitiakitanga.

Previously Amuri Area School 

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

Hurunui because it is home, and we have room to change in a positive way. The youth in the community knows everyone in some way.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I would like to be involved because I live in a small township and want to get the youth rural community involved.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

It would be to make schools all over the world more inclusive and more of an exciting place to be.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Respectful, passionate and inclusive.

University of Canterbury

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

My favourite place in Canterbury would have to be the Botanic Gardens. It's such a tranquil place to visit during times of stress, and it allows me to take in the beauty that this city has to offer. While it's lovely all year round, I absolutely adore it in autumn (basic, I know)!

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

Ultimately, I want to learn how to become a more sustainable and active citizen within the Waitaha region, and to explore the work that Environment Canterbury does. Working around local government allows you to meet a wide range of people, which is something I would love to do more and to make local government more accessible to the public, which I believe is possible through this amazing group.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Absolutely would be invisibility. No questions asked.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Dedicated, empathetic, mindful.

Burnside High School

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

I love Tūranga library. Not only is it a great place to meet up with friends but it is an amazing place to just sit down with a book in. It has spaces which are used by people from all different backgrounds, and I think it shows how important the design of our urban spaces is.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I want to ensure decisions made by our local council are future focused, and conscious of the generations to come that will rely on our Canterbury environment. I want to be able to advocate for youth issues and future generations in the decision making undertaken by Environment Canterbury.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

The ability to time-travel! How amazing would it be to see what Ōtautahi looked like 100 years ago, plus imagine the lessons we could learn from seeing old civilisations.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Equity, fairness, and collaboration.

Avonside Girls' High School

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

My favourite place in Canterbury would have to be Ōkeina/Okains Bay. I have consistently camped there since I was a young child, and genuinely loved it. There is so much captivating history associated with the area and it is truly intriguing. I also love the stunning bay itself, with the picturesque blue waters, rolling hills and swaying pine trees. I have so many fond memories of being at our campsite in the summer, surrounded by friends and playing in the sun. We would constantly go for walks, and it would be wonderful listening to nature flourishing. I will always treasure this place and will have an everlasting connection.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I am keen to make a positive and direct contribution to my community.  I am incredibly enthusiastic about anything regarding saving the planet and everything revolving around climate change. I believe this would be an excellent opportunity to further foster my passion and ensure everyone is accounted for in this field. It is important to have a youth interpretation of differing concepts and I am hoping to make a productive and beneficial influence and impact.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

If I could have any superpower, I think I would like to be able to speak every language fluently, including that of animals. This would honestly be so incredibly beneficial and revolutionary as it would instantly remove the communication barriers in society. Collaboration would be undemanding and simply effortless. Therefore, everyone would get their say in discussions and deceptive interpretation would not prevent peace. There would be no more controversy regarding various translations, and everyone would understand what was occurring. It would also be a fascinating endeavour and ability, to compare and contrast the diverse languages.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Integrity, determination, atawhai.

Lincoln High School

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

That’s a hard question to answer because there are many (including my own backyard) but my favourite would have to be Kaikōura. Ever since I was little my whānau has spent a lot of time there. Trips there are often spent fishing and walking (there are also some awesome surfing beaches) but my favourite thing to do is rock pooling because of the marine biodiversity.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I am interested in being involved because I am passionate about the environment and I want to learn how I can be a good kaitiaki. There aren’t many opportunities (like this one) in Waitaha that give youth a chance to have their voice heard and collaborate to make a difference. I think the Youth Rōpū is a chance to work and learn alongside like-minded people who are passionate about te taiao. I am interested in the work Environment Canterbury does because of Enviroschools, which was my favourite programme in primary school. I also think it's very cool that Environment Canterbury supports the Tāwhaki Joint Venture, a project my mother is involved in at Kaitōrete spit.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I have a passion for history so I think time travel would be really cool, especially being able to travel back in time to see what things were like a long time ago. There are so many ancient buildings and places that would be fascinating to see, such as the Colosseum, the medieval times, and most of all what Aotearoa was like before predators were introduced.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Respect. Empathy. Integrity.

Ara Institute of Canterbury

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

Hinewai Reserve: I moved to Christchurch from Auckland at the start of 2023 and was surprised to see such little native bush in the city and on the Port Hills. I soon learnt about the land history of Banks Peninsula, the introduction of widespread farming during European colonisation and the devastation to native ecosystems. Exploring Hinewai reserve helped me to regain physical and spiritual connection to the whenua. Being in the presence of some old-growth and regenerating forest helped me to understand what this part of Waitaha was similar to in the past, and deepen my insight and perspective on the land and land uses which Canterbury consists of currently. Hugh Wilson's minimal interference management approach to restoration has helped me to realise that humans have a hunger for control and a lack of connection to te taiao. We are a part of the ecosystem, not separate. Hinewai has aided my thoughts on conservation needing a shift. A Te Ao Māori world view needs to have an equal perspective in the practice, we need greater connection and understanding of the land, and we need localised efforts and approaches.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I think that many young people struggle with their identity. It’s a time of significant growth, change and confusion. For much of childhood we are told what to think, value and believe. Whether this is from caregivers, teachers, friends or other sources. When this happens, it’s tough to figure out what you actually value and what your identity is. I think many people can get lost in the overwhelming nature of this. From my perspective, connecting back to the whenua we are a part of and live on is key to understanding yourself and purpose. Through exposure and environmental education this can more easily be achieved. I think being part of the Youth Rōpū would help to find ways to get the youth of Waitaha learning outside and experiencing environmental education. Much of the education system is modelled for one type of learner, but not everyone fits in this box. Incorporating te taiao into learning, provides more of a variety of learning. Whether it is as simple as taking an English class outside to observe and write about surroundings, or creating a trapping programme within the school, I think the Youth Rōpū could have some positive influence in actioning this.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I have thought about this question for a while. I came across a few options, but none seemed to fit. After some reflection, I don’t think I’d want a superpower. I think being human, constantly discovering things about yourself, others and the intricacies of your mind and the perspectives of the world is a superpower in itself. In my opinion, having and sharing moments of realisation and conversations with others, trumps mind reading or travelling in time. Superpowers alleviate challenges or barriers, but overcoming these and learning along the way is invaluable. In saying that ... being able to fly would be pretty cool!

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Whanaungatanga, action, reflection.

Ao Tawhiti School

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

Most of my time is spent in the Waihao takiwā and Te Manahuna. In Canterbury we spend time around Rāpaki.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

To understand different perspective and challenges across the motu. To have the ability to influence change. Meeting other likeminded individuals building collective relationships and influence.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Flying.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Integrity, manaaki, honour.

Timaru Girls’ High School

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

Timaru, because it is my hometown and I’ve grown to see the changes in our town, it’s very populated. It also is a town that makes me feel safe, with many lovely citizens that volunteer here. I’ve always loved connecting with our community.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

Because I would love to help our youth, connecting and sharing our opinions about the things that mean the most to us, to improve our wellbeing and engage more with what matters to us younger people. This would be an excellent opportunity for me to connect with diverse groups of young people and to support current and future generations. It’s important that we recognise and be aware of the impacts of our environmental issues that are impacting on us and any living creature right now, so I would love to be a big help to speak out against our enemies. Becoming a leader and a friend to those, is the most important part of this journey.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Ice power, to stop all fires in the forest.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Courageous, inspiring, passionate.

University of Canterbury (previously Mountainview High School)

What is your favourite place in Canterbury and why?

My favourite place is the Scenic Reserve in Timaru, which is home to many shared use tracks. The local mountain bike club hosts monthly casual races.

Why do you want to be a part of the Youth Rōpū?

I have a passion for sharing the environment and protecting our unique land. I want to be on the Youth Rōpū to help connect with others both in the community, within Christchurch, and within the Rōpū itself. Our environment that we share with everyone is important to protect and grow. We need to think of our future generations and by sharing ideas and working together, we can make a brighter future for our whānau and community within Canterbury.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

My superpower would be to speak any language. It would come in really handy to talk with and understand anyone.

If you only had three words to describe your values, what would they be?

Friendly, understanding, encouraging.