Date:  05 November 2018

Through the Sir Peter Blake Trust’s partnership with DOC, the following young people have been given the opportunity to take part in conservation and restoration projects around New Zealand.

Otago University students, Aidan Braid and Skye Anderson, will join DOC rangers and partners on the Rotoiti Nature Recover Project during February 2019. Skye will also assist DOC rangers as part of the ‘Save our iconic Kiwi’ programme in March.

Philippa Halliday, from Auckland, will assist DOC in the Resolution Island Restoration Programme in Dusky Sound to help restore the native flora and fauna during November.

Sarah Manktelow (Otago University) and Anna Zam from Auckland will work with DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery team to protect the critically endangered kākāpō from 9-23 January 2019.

These programmes are designed to both advance their understanding of some of the big questions and challenges facing the environment, and their leadership capability to drive positive change and inspire other New Zealanders.

James Gibson, CEO of the Sir Peter Blake Trust says “these programmes offer young New Zealanders unique opportunities to contribute to DOC’s biodiversity work while advancing their career opportunities and inspiring others.

“By getting out in the field with world-class experts, our Ambassadors develop invaluable skills, relationships and leadership qualities that can influence their future pathway,” says Gibson.

Ben Reddiex, DOC’s Director Community Engagement, says, “New Zealand’s biodiversity is in crisis, with more than 4000 of our precious native species at risk or threatened with extinction. I have no doubt the Blake Trust ambassadors will use their experience working alongside DOC staff to become leaders in conservation and boost New Zealand’s collective efforts to restore our threatened species to healthy populations.”

The Sir Peter Blake Trust, in partnership with DOC, Antarctica New Zealand, NIWA and Tara Expeditions, are announcing 14 Ambassadorships in total this summer.

Get more information and follow their journey.

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