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The main focus of the Untouched World™ Charitable Trust is youth leadership. The programmes involve school students, years 11-13, and pre-service teachers beginning their teaching career. In both cases we are trying to build leadership capability. The students and pre-service teachers are mentored by lecturers, teachers and community educators from a range of backgrounds.
Marlborough Sounds – Island Restoration The Blumine Island project is focused on returning the island to its original state, without introduced predators, and then developing a sanctuary for native animal and plant species at risk. Key outcomes are:
“We have been living and acting sustainably all week. We have been doing this not for ourselves but for the future of all humans and animals.”
– Katie Keir, Queen Charlotte College
“I loved learning about the history of Blumine Island, the wildlife and about conservation. I made new friends and I really want to make an effort to improve life on this island.”
– Malaika Cockerell, Lincoln High School
Canterbury - “There is no such Place as Away”
Consumption is the primary issue being addresses in Canterbury, with young people heavily involved in ‘the politics of shopping’. The programme explores the outcomes of our choices in terms of waste, land and resource management. Key outcomes are:
“We must conserve what we have because once it is gone its even harder to get back.”
– Emma Stuart, Oxford Area School
“At Tiromoana one of our purposes is to ensure quality of life for future generations.”
– Josh Haythornthwaite, Mairehau High School
Auckland –Sustainable Cities
In Auckland the key issue is growth, based around the Government’s Sustainable Development Programme of Action. Youth from the seven cities attached to greater Auckland are involved in real life case studies addressing environmental, social and economic sustainability underpinning the growth of New Zealand’s largest city. Key outcomes are:
“I so badly, totally, really enjoyed this experience… I could do this for a living. Prior to this experience, my dream was to pursue a career in law, but after this week, I think I’d like a career like Leanne Holdsworth (social responsibility and inner leadership facilitator), James Lunday (urban designer) or Dr Nick March (NEXT Corporation).”
– Yvonne Feleti, Manurewa High School
"I think that the type of teaching was cool as it got us involved with the project. This got me thinking about going to my council and putting my point of view forward."
- Allan Ha, Penrose High School
Ruapehu National Park – Kiwi Recovery
The Trust’s newest programme is centred around Ruapehu National Park and is focused on our national icon, the Kiwi. Based on Ngati Rangi marae at the foot of the mountain, ‘Kiwi Forever’ has a strong cultural focus, and examines the challenges the flightless Kiwi faces in its fight for survival. The programme highlights the importance of learning to work cooperatively with a variety of people, understanding the spiritual connection of Maori to the Kiwi and the personal satisfaction of helping to save endangered species. Key outcomes are:
“I really enjoyed getting the once-in-a-lifetime chance of seeing a Kiwi and its habitat up close, and learning how I can help to protect it. I will never forget it.”
– Candace Gavin, Tauhara College
“It was utterly wonderful to return at the end of each day on a cloud, knowing we had achieved something from ourselves, and in some way helped the environment. It’s unexplainable. It was mentally enlightening.”
– Rosie Simmonds, Tauhara College |
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