Youth Rōpū members

Taylah has a strong commitment to mana whenua representation and partnership. After two years on the Youth Rōpū, including serving as the Mana Whenua Co‑Chair in 2025, she is passionate about strengthening the mana of the mana whenua hoe and supporting new members to grow their confidence in their whakapapa and leadership roles. She brings a deep understanding of what effective partnership can look like, shaped by her upbringing within both rūnanga and environmental spaces.

Taylah is actively involved with her marae komiti, where she helps create opportunities for whānau to reconnect, supports events such as Matariki in partnership with Waimate District Council, and contributes to regular funding applications. She has also undertaken research on the experiences of marae rangatahi and has gained leadership experience through her school council.

Through her continued involvement in the Youth Rōpū, Taylah hopes to build on the foundations of the past two years by helping create clearer structures and stronger support for new members. She is eager to keep developing her leadership skills, expand her mātauranga, and ensure that mana whenua perspectives remain central to the group’s kaupapa.

University of Canterbury

Frida is an experienced member of the Youth Rōpū, returning for her third year to continue advocating for youth voice and environmental leadership. Throughout her time in the Rōpū, she has taken every opportunity to grow her confidence, build strong connections, and contribute to meaningful projects that strengthen youth involvement in regional decision‑making. She is deeply committed to ensuring young people feel empowered to participate in civic processes, including encouraging her peers to engage with local issues and vote. 

Frida brings a strong background in youth environmental leadership through programmes such as BLAKE Inspire and Untouched World Foundation’s Whakaraupō Moana and Ōruawairua/Blumine Island courses. These experiences have given her practical conservation skills, experience with project design and facilitation, and confidence in public communication. Her long‑standing involvement in environmental initiatives, from Enviroschools to hands‑on restoration work, has shaped her commitment to social and environmental justice and strengthened her ability to support collaborative mahi within the Rōpū. 

This year, Frida is excited to continue working alongside other motivated rangatahi, contribute to projects that uplift youth voice, and challenge herself through new leadership opportunities. 

Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery

Sabrina is passionate about representing youth perspectives and contributing to positive change in her community. She has been involved in a range of civic and social initiatives, gaining experience in youth advocacy, community engagement, and supporting issues important to rangatahi. 

Over the past year, Sabrina has participated in several community initiatives and student‑led projects, which has strengthened her confidence in public participation and helped her develop skills in communication and collaborative problem‑solving. At school, she has contributed to wellbeing‑focused projects, including designing student surveys and supporting fundraising efforts, and she is increasingly interested in how young people can have a stronger voice in local decision‑making. 

Through the Youth Rōpū, Sabrina hopes to learn more about leadership, develop practical experience in community‑level change, and better understand how local government processes work. She is motivated by the opportunity to contribute directly, not just to support from the sidelines, and is looking forward to working alongside other young people who care about the future of Waitaha.

Villa Maria College

Shefali has a strong interest in environmental protection and youth participation in decision‑making. As Villa Maria College’s first ever Sustainability Prefect, she is stepping into a role that will allow her to initiate school‑wide environmental projects and strengthen sustainability practices within her community. Joining the Youth Rōpū is an opportunity for her to build on this work, connect with like‑minded rangatahi, and learn more about how environmental governance operates in Canterbury. 

Shefali brings extensive experience in debating, including leading her school’s debate club and supporting students to engage with social, environmental, and political issues. This has helped her develop strong communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills, as well as confidence working with groups and facilitating discussion. She has also been recognised twice as a Highly Commended Speaker at the Canterbury Secondary Schools Debate Regionals. 

Through the Youth Rōpū, Shefali hopes to collaborate with young people who bring a range of perspectives, broaden her understanding of regional environmental challenges, and build a foundation for her new sustainability leadership role at school.

Craighead Diocesan School

Jess is an enthusiastic and dedicated young leader from South Canterbury who is passionate about environmental science and youth engagement. After learning about the Youth Rōpū through the 2025 Wrybill Cup, she was inspired to get involved and use her voice to represent her school and wider community. As a 2025 Wrybill Trophy finalist, Jess’s project focused on the drastic decline of the Waitarakao Lagoon, giving her a strong understanding of local environmental challenges and the importance of restoration efforts. 

She brings an impressive record of involvement across academic, cultural, sporting, and leadership activities. Jess has achieved multiple awards at the NIWA Science Fair, earned leadership positions such as school council roles and sports team captaincy, and participated in a wide range of competitions and events including writing, public speaking, choir, mathematics, and volleyball. These experiences have strengthened her communication skills, resilience, and ability to contribute thoughtfully to group projects. 

Jess is a confident communicator with a strong sense of commitment, creativity, and initiative. Through the Youth Rōpū, she hopes to meet other motivated rangatahi, further develop her critical thinking skills, and contribute to meaningful projects that improve outcomes for her community.

St Margaret’s College

Ariana has a strong interest in climate action and environmental protection. Having previously been part of a youth environmental programme in Nelson, she is excited to join the Youth Rōpū to deepen her understanding of local environmental challenges, contribute to meaningful projects, and connect with like‑minded rangatahi as she settles into Christchurch. Ariana is particularly passionate about issues such as ecosystem protection, consumer waste, and reducing the environmental impact of food systems. 

She brings a diverse range of experience from youth-led environmental initiatives, including her involvement with Earthminds, where she helped research solutions to sedimentation in rivers and co‑created a community action website. Ariana has spoken at the Nelson Biodiversity Forum, volunteered with Project Jonah, and contributed to school environment clubs through planting, water monitoring, and fundraising. Alongside this, she busks to raise money for climate charities and participates in theatre, debating, and music, all of which have strengthened her communication skills, discipline, and confidence. She is experienced working across age groups and taking initiative to get projects off the ground. 

Through the Youth Rōpū, Ariana hopes to build strong connections in her new community, develop her teamwork skills, and learn how to mobilise others to create tangible positive change. She is also interested in engaging with people who hold different viewpoints to broaden her understanding and strengthen her leadership.

Timaru Boys’ High School

Daniel enjoys working with others, developing his leadership skills, and contributing to decisions that make a meaningful difference in his community. Joining the Youth Rōpū is an opportunity for him to grow his confidence, collaborate with like‑minded rangatahi, and help shape positive change for South Canterbury. 

Daniel brings a wide range of experience across leadership, academics, and sport. He has completed his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, represented his school on the National Student Council and is a two‑time Wrybill Trophy winner as well as a two‑time district science fair winner. Daniel also holds a Level 2 football referee qualification and is actively involved in sports including golf and football. In 2026 he was selected to attend the World Vision Leaders for Change Summit, further strengthening his skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. 

Through the Youth Rōpū, Daniel hopes to learn how to communicate ideas effectively, put them into action, and work collaboratively with his community and Environment Canterbury to create positive outcomes for the region.

Cashmere High School

Niamh has developed a strong foundation in sustainability through her involvement in Cashmere High School’s Sustainability Council. She has taken part in practical initiatives such as water testing, river planting, and student‑led projects that have allowed her to see first‑hand how local action can preserve and protect the environment. Joining the Youth Rōpū is an opportunity for her to broaden her impact, contribute new ideas, and collaborate with other rangatahi who share her passion for environmental and community wellbeing. 

Niamh brings extensive experience from across school and community activities. She is involved in the Sustainability and Humanities Councils, Future Problem Solvers,  and has participated in initiatives such as Red Cross fundraisers, rubbish clean‑ups, and Enviroschools events.  

Through the Rōpū, Niamh hopes to learn from others’ perspectives, strengthen her leadership skills, and work with her peers to develop achievable solutions that make a real difference in the community. She is particularly interested in deepening her understanding of kaitiakitanga in action and exploring how young people can drive sustainable change at a local level. 

Riccarton High School

Travis believes deeply in the connection between environmental wellbeing and community wellbeing, and is driven by a desire to uplift rangatahi and protect the whenua. Joining the Youth Rōpū is an opportunity for him to contribute meaningfully to Canterbury, support positive change, and honour the mana of the region’s communities and natural spaces. 

Travis brings a wealth of experience shaped by service, empathy, and community involvement. He has been mentored by former Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and has represented Riccarton High School on the executive committee, where he was recognised for his people‑focused approach to leadership. Travis was the first recipient of the Andrew Eddie Memorial Cup, awarded for empathy, compassion, and care for others. He also has experience in advocacy through youth political involvement and brings practical organisational skills, including meeting management and secretarial experience. 

Through the Youth Rōpū, Travis hopes to contribute to community‑centred environmental action, encourage others to get involved in practical mahi such as clean‑ups and school visits, and continue developing his leadership. He values every opportunity to learn — especially when it comes to understanding the environment and how to serve his community more effectively. 

Papanui High School

Jordyn has a strong passion for protecting the natural world. After attending several Environment Canterbury and Youth Rōpū events, she has been inspired to deepen her involvement and bring new ideas back to her school and community. Jordyn is motivated by a desire to make a positive difference, connect with other young people who share her values, and continue learning about local environmental challenges in Waitaha. 

Jordyn brings valuable experience through her role as Chairperson of the Environment Council at Papanui High School, where she helps lead student‑driven sustainability initiatives. Jordyn has taken part in tree plantings, rubbish clean‑ups, and environmental conferences that have broadened her understanding of global and local climate issues.  

Through the Youth Rōpū, Jordyn hopes to work in a supportive and collaborative environment where rangatahi can share ideas and take action together. She is particularly interested in learning more about the climate impacts affecting Canterbury and exploring how young people can help reduce or prevent them through community‑based change.

Cashmere High School

Isla is passionate about protecting Canterbury’s natural landscapes for future generations. Growing up surrounded by the region’s unique beauty has inspired her to take an active role in sustainability and climate action. She is enthusiastic about joining the Youth Rōpū as a way to help shape decisions that support long‑term environmental wellbeing and ensure that the voices of young people are genuinely heard in conversations that impact their future. 

Isla brings a wide range of experience from her involvement in school and community groups. She is completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, she volunteers with Brownies, and she is part of both Rangers and her school’s Sustainability Council. Through activities such as predator trapping, tree planting, water monitoring, organising tramping trips, and helping plan youth programmes, she has developed strong leadership, organisation, teamwork, and communication skills. These experiences have strengthened her environmental awareness and her ability to collaborate on practical, student‑led initiatives. 

Through the Youth Rōpū, Isla hopes to learn more about environmental decision‑making, build confidence in sharing ideas, and work alongside her peers to create solutions that benefit both the community and the environment. She is eager to grow her leadership skills, understand how council processes work, and contribute to meaningful, youth‑driven change in Waitaha.

Rangi Ruru Girls’ School

Now in her second year in the Rōpū, Amelie is passionate about protecting the environment and taking action for a sustainable future. As an Eco-Action Leader at Trust Eco-Action, she has led tree plantings and represented her school at an environmental youth conference. She also helps maintain her school’s beehives, using them to teach students about pollution and fund environmental projects. 

Her key interests include tree planting, reducing plastic waste, and environmental education. She’s also active in kapa haka, water polo, and school leadership, building strong teamwork and leadership skills. 

Through the Youth Rōpū, Amelie hopes to connect with others, collaborate on projects, and grow as a leader to help create positive change in Canterbury.

University of Canterbury

Grace is studying a Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability (BSEnS) at the University of Canterbury, majoring in environmental policy, governance, and social action. She is passionate about climate action and social justice, advocating for a future where the environment is protected, Indigenous rights are honoured, and communities are resilient. 

Grace is now in her second year in the Rōpū and has also been involved with organisations such as UCGreens, Peace Action Ōtautahi, and the UC Animal Rights Club. She helped organise the Stop the Space Waste protest and conducted research on sustainable food projects in New Zealand.  

Grace is focused on bridging youth perspectives with regional decision-making and gaining experience in environmental policy, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and kaitiakitanga in governance. She is eager to learn, collaborate, and develop her advocacy skills to drive meaningful change.

University of Canterbury

Joseph is a second-year Youth Rōpū member, and now also sits on The Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board. He is determined to make youth voices a central part of decision-making, especially in local government, where young people are often excluded. He aims to lower barriers for under-represented communities to engage in politics.

Joseph is studying law, history, and linguistics at the University of Canterbury. Passionate about youth representation, Joseph has worked with organisations like Schools Strike 4 Climate (SS4C) Ōtautahi to lead youth submissions on Christchurch City Council’s long-term plan, and has been active in various clubs, including UC Climate Action Club.

Joseph supports youth advocacy through writing submissions guides for SS4C, advising on local government engagement, and being secretary of Greater Ōtautahi Inc. and UC Climate Action Club. Studying for an LLB and BA, he is eager to understand Environment Canterbury’s structures and contribute by connecting solutions to communities or facilitating communication between the public and decision-makers. Joseph seeks to collaborate with like-minded youth advocates to drive change.