Marlborough student to attend national environmental leadership seminar

Monday, 5 October 2020

Marlborough Girls’ College student Sophia Wills will attend environmental leadership programme BLAKE Inspire this month.

A Marlborough student has been selected from hundreds of applicants to attend a national environmental leadership programme.

Sophia Wills, who is in year 13 at Marlborough Girls' College, will attend the week-long programme called BLAKE Inspire in October, along with 60 students from around New Zealand.

Sophia said she was inspired to apply for the programme after her sister attended a couple of years ago, and meeting past attendees at other environmental conferences.

With its focus on the environment, and leadership, Sophia thought it would be right up her alley.

Sophia Wills will attend a week-long environmental leadership programme for young New Zealanders from October 5 to 9 in Waikato.

* Environmental sustainability students not sure on compulsory climate change

* Students to skip strike, plant trees for climate change

“I’m super excited. I think it’s going to be cool to meet so many like-minded people,” she said.

Sophia’s passion for the environment had a marine focus, with her current studies at school including issues like underwater noise pollution.

She hoped to improve leadership skills through the conference, and come out being able to confidently express her thoughts and ideas.

Sophia was part of a youth climate team in Marlborough, who organised events and educated the public about climate issues.

The climate team organised a zero-waste night market which ran at the Marlborough Youth Trust headquarters on October 2.

BLAKE chief executive James Gibson said the programme aimed to kick-start environmental passion, leadership and action in young New Zealanders; and this year it would focus on four key environmental issues facing New Zealand.

“Climate change, biodiversity loss and marine and freshwater health are four key environmental issues we are facing, and we’ll be focusing on these topics throughout the week.

“Our rangatahi are acutely aware that urgent action needs to be taken to address these issues to protect the environment for their own future and for generations to come.

“BLAKE Inspire gives these young people the opportunity to develop action plans, expand their leadership skills and empower them to feel confident to tackle these issues and start making a positive difference as soon as they leave the programme,” Gibson said.

BLAKE Inspire is run in partnership with the Ministry for the Environment.