Youth Rōpū members

Rangi Ruru Girls’ School

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.

Water Resources Environmental Scientist

Charlotte is an environmental scientist of Taranaki iwi descent. She grew up along the banks of the Ōpāwaho/Heathcote River and has been passionate about the sustainable management of natural resources - especially water - since a young age.

A former Youth Rōpū member in 2020, Charlotte is passionate about ensuring young people are enabled to make their perspectives and values known to their representatives. She wants to help build robust and enduring relationships between Environment Canterbury and the young people of Waitaha and encourage youth to engage with environmental challenges.

Charlotte brings experience from sustained involvement in the youth sector, an understanding of natural systems.

Lincoln High School

Frida is a Year 13 student returning for her second year on the Youth Rōpū as a representative for Selwyn/Waikirikiri. Her favourite place in Waitaha is Kaitōrete Spit, where she has special memories with her whānau.

Passionate about the environment, sustainability, equity, and youth engagement, Frida wants to see more youth involvement in civics and environmental protection. She was first inspired by Enviroschools and is especially interested in Environment Canterbury’s role in projects like the Tāwhaki Joint Venture at Kaitōrete Spit.

Through the Youth Rōpū, she hopes to learn how to be a better kaitiaki, collaborate with like-minded rangatahi, and help amplify youth voices in decision-making.

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 has 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 through a PACE internship with UNEP.

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 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 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 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

Rangiora High School

Born in Tāmaki Makaurau, Kyra traces her whakapapa to Hawkes Bay, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāpuhi. Kyra is outspoken and passionate about ensuring youth voices are heard, especially Māori youth voices, which are close to her heart. She has been learning Te Reo Māori for eight years and completed Level One with an endorsement a year early. Kyra is involved in various school activities, including volleyball coaching, netball, Leo’s club, kapa haka, Māori council, Show Quest, and is passionate about promoting cultural diversity and individuality.

Transport and waterways are personal issues for Kyra, as she is affected by the lack of public transport in rural areas and the pollution in the awa by her home, which limits her ability to swim. She advocates for better transport in rural areas and cleaner waterways. Kyra is committed to uplifting the rights and voices of Māori and Pasifika people and is focused on tino rangatiratanga, cultural rights, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Kyra is eager to develop her leadership qualities, gain new perspectives, and learn about the stakeholders in her community to drive meaningful change.

Timaru Girls’ High School

Mazaiah is passionate about environmental advocacy and amplifying youth voices on critical issues. Chosen for the 2025 Global Development Tour with UN Youth New Zealand, she is eager to connect with diverse young people and support both current and future generations in tackling environmental challenges.

She is deeply concerned about global and national environmental issues, particularly oil drilling, plastic pollution, and deforestation. She believes urgent action is needed to protect ecosystems and wildlife, which are heavily impacted by human activity. Locally, she is involved in the Timaru Blue Penguin Volunteer Group, working to safeguard native species from threats such as habitat destruction and human interference.

Through her participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Mazaiah has gained a greater appreciation for sustainable practices, advocating for alternatives to gas-reliant transport like hiking and tramping. She is passionate about ensuring environmental issues in smaller towns, not just major cities, receive the attention they deserve.

Mazaiah hopes to use her time on the Youth Rōpū to listen, learn, and contribute to meaningful discussions about environmental protection, ensuring young voices are heard in decision-making.

University of Canterbury

Portia is a member of the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Youth Council and has been part of the Te Tahi Youth Council. She is passionate about advocating for youth perspectives and creating sustainable, socially equitable urban spaces. A strong transport system that meets current and future community needs is particularly important to her, and she looks forward to contributing to the Public Transport Youth Reference Group. Portia is dedicated to empowering rangatahi to engage with local council processes, particularly in relation to climate change and its impact on future generations.

She has experience in youth engagement, having advocated for youth perspectives in healthcare, including organising panels with healthcare professionals and creating mental health resources for high schoolers. In addition to her work in health, Portia is the vice president of the University of Canterbury Geography Society (GeogSoc), where she has helped organise events such as a public transport workshop and career networking events. Her involvement in both committees and GeogSoc has strengthened her communication, teamwork, and organisational skills, which she hopes to apply to youth engagement with Environment Canterbury.

Portia is eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals to help young people engage with council and contribute to important local issues.

Cashmere High School

River is serving as Deputy Chair of the Youth Rōpū in 2025 and is passionate about protecting Canterbury’s waterways. He believes healthy waterways enhance biodiversity and strengthen communities, and he wants to bring a strong youth perspective to how they are managed. Having participated in leadership programs like Spirit of Adventure and Blake Inspire, River is eager to use his skills to help drive environmental change.

With a deep concern for ocean pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, River has been actively involved in environmental advocacy for years. He has attended School Strike for Climate, presented on climate change at Christchurch City Council and Lyttelton meetings, and served on Cashmere High School’s Sustainability Student Council. Through these experiences, he has developed a strong voice for youth engagement in environmental issues.

River is dedicated to hands-on action, regularly volunteering for local planting and weeding projects. Through the Youth Rōpū, he hopes to inspire others to take meaningful steps toward sustainability and work collectively to improve Canterbury’s environment.

Burnside High School

Sam is excited to return to the Youth Rōpū and advocate for youth issues, particularly focusing on keeping public transport affordable for students as zoning changes take effect. Born and raised in Waitaha, Sam is passionate about environmental and social justice, believing that thriving communities depend on both a healthy environment and equitable access to resources. Sam wants to ensure that decision-making at Environment Canterbury considers the long-term impacts on youth and future generations.

Currently in Year 13 at Burnside High School, Sam studies Economics, Accounting, History, Classics, and Calculus. Sam has developed strong leadership and communication skills through their involvement in debating, Model UN, and event organizing. As a leader at Burnside High School’s debate club, Sam has mentored younger debaters and learned the value of clear, effective communication, as well as the ability to ensure all voices are heard; not just the loudest in the room.

Through the Youth Rōpū, Sam hopes to become more knowledgeable of local government, advocate for policies that support both people and the environment, and develop a leadership style that is inclusive and solutions-focused. Sam is excited to work alongside like-minded rangatahi to create real change in Canterbury.

University of Canterbury

Sharon is studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Canterbury, specialising in environmental issues. She is passionate about environmental and marine conservation, and supporting youth through climate anxiety, recognising that this is one of the biggest barriers for young people today.

Sharon has been invited to represent New Zealand as a delegate to the United Nations multiple times, where she advocates for climate action and there has seen youth-driven change on a global scale.

She is actively involved in organisations such as Forest and Bird Youth, as a regional leader, Sustainable Coastlines, and marine science NGO Blue Cradle, among others. Sharon also works as a Communications Officer with UNA NZ, where she amplifies youth voices on environmental and social issues.

Through her work, Sharon aims to inspire others to take action in their communities, leading by example and showing that even small efforts contribute to meaningful change; local or community initiatives are equally as important as resolutions passed at the UN.

She is excited to use her skills in communication, resilience, and leadership to empower young people in the Youth Rōpū and help create a more sustainable future for Canterbury.

Te Kura Distance Learning

Tamzyn is excited to return for her second year with the Youth Rōpū, continuing her passion for environmental action and youth engagement. She is particularly dedicated to keeping Canterbury’s natural spaces clean and accessible, advocating for better waste management solutions. She believes small, practical changes can have a big impact on the environment and is eager to work alongside other young leaders to create positive change.

Living in a rural township, Tamzyn is passionate about increasing youth involvement in her community. She is particularly interested in improving the education system, youth health and well-being, and encouraging young people to engage with and support older generations. Her experience on the Hurunui Youth Council over the past two years, as well as her participation in the Children’s General Assembly, has strengthened her commitment to ensuring youth voices are heard in decision-making.

Tamzyn brings a strong sense of inclusivity and enthusiasm for change. She is eager to learn from others across Canterbury, gain new skills in event planning, and bring more youth-led environmental initiatives to the Hurunui district.

Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery

Taylah is a proud member of Te Rūnanga o Waihao and is passionate about her community and environment. Most of her time is spent in the Waihao takiwā and Te Manahuna, areas she holds close to her heart for their diverse environments, from Aoraki and the high country to Wainono and the coast.

As Co-Chair of the Youth Rōpū, Taylah is dedicated to amplifying youth voices and ensuring that their perspectives are heard in key regional decisions. She is motivated by the belief that a generation, like a nation, is not a blank canvas. Her leadership focuses on honouring past generations, supporting current youth voices, and shaping a future that benefits all.

Taylah believes in the power of listening before speaking and is committed to fostering a space where young people can collaborate, share ideas, and make a lasting impact on the environment and community in Canterbury. She is excited to lead the Youth Rōpū in turning intent into reality, working together to create positive, tangible change.

Lincoln High School

Thomas is a Year 13 student at Lincoln High School, where he serves as one of the head students. He is passionate about youth engagement and creating change in his community. Thomas is especially focused on making Te Ao Māori more accessible in the education system and empowering rangatahi to learn about Aotearoa's unique culture.

Coming from a multicultural background, Thomas values diversity in perspectives and ideas. He is committed to helping others understand global and social issues, particularly climate change, mental health, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and empowering them to become future leaders.

Through his experiences with the Selwyn Youth Council, UN Youth, and his upcoming Global Development Tour, Thomas has developed strong collaboration and leadership skills. He is excited to work with like-minded individuals, learn from diverse perspectives, and deepen his understanding of local government and youth advocacy.

In the Youth Rōpū, Thomas hopes to contribute to positive change in his community, connect with others, and continue learning as he works toward a brighter future for all.

St Margaret's College

Zara is passionate about environmental advocacy and excited to join the Youth Rōpū to help raise awareness about climate change and protect Christchurch’s waterways. As a member of St Margaret’s College Environment Committee and Eco-Action Representative, she leads regular planting sessions and has worked closely with the Christchurch City Council on replanting efforts in the red zone.

Zara is dedicated to improving local environmental issues, particularly water quality, as many of Canterbury’s rivers have been deemed unsafe for swimming. She believes reducing pollution from industrial projects and farms is essential for the health of the community and the environment.

This year, Zara is studying the Climate Ambassador Program at the University of Waikato and is eager to further develop her event organization and communication skills. Through the Youth Rōpū, she hopes to collaborate with others and create positive outcomes for the environment while gaining valuable experience in leadership and advocacy.

Avonside Girls' High School

Zoe is thrilled to return for a second year on the Youth Rōpū, now serving as Co-Chair. A passionate advocate for the environment, she is committed to fostering youth engagement in sustainability and ensuring decision-making reflects the needs of future generations. As head girl at Avonside Girls’ High School and last year’s lead for the Rōpū’s Environment Hui, she brings strong leadership experience and a deep dedication to climate action.

Zoe is particularly invested in addressing climate change, equity, and fostering a stronger connection between people and the natural world. She believes young voices are crucial in shaping the future and is eager to contribute to meaningful discussions on environmental and social issues. She is also keen to navigate the challenges posed by national policy changes and explore ways to push for sustainability despite shifting priorities.

With extensive involvement in councils, clubs, and governance as her school’s Board Representative, Zoe has developed skills in leadership, communication, and advocacy. She is approachable, adaptable, and determined, with a strong sense of integrity and collaboration. Through the Youth Rōpū, she hopes to continue learning, inspire others, and help create real change for Canterbury’s environment and communities.