Forest & Bird Youth is a nationwide network of young people (aged 14-25) who are protecting and restoring Aotearoa's wildlife and wild places.
By harnessing their passion to create change, they are inspiring and involving young people to protect planet earth and do their part to reverse the crisis facing nature in New Zealand.
Our vision: Empowered rangatahi actively engaged in our connection to Te Taiao and in the fight for our future.
Our mission: To take action for nature as youth, with youth, for youth.
Check out our newsletters - Issue 1
How does it work?
Our National Network is made up of Forest & Bird Youth Hubs, created and run by young people, for young people. Some meet up in person and contribute their time to running events or to local conservation projects, while others meet up online to discuss environmental issues or run advocacy campaigns. There is no limit on how many hubs a young person can be involved in and hubs can be formed around any interest area. Forest & Bird Youth also work together as a wider national group.
By connecting with Forest & Bird Branches and others, they are able to share and develop their skills, improve knowledge of conservation issues, and gain experience working in the field. Youth Leaders also receive opportunities to develop their leadership skills, such as attending the Annual Conference in Wellington.
The programme is funded through a Forest & Bird Youth Fund and supported by a Youth Advisor based at National Office.
Join a Youth Hub
Auckland
Forest & Bird Youth in Auckland is interested in getting young people to protect and restore the environment in Auckland.
They have an on-going restoration project at Hosking's Reserve in Albany where they are doing plantings, trapping for predators, and removing weeds.
Want to get involved?
- Send a message on Facebook
- Join our Facebook Group
- Contact Connor and Paolo at Forest & Bird Youth Auckland on youth@forestandbird.org.nz
Campaigns
Forest & Bird Youth's Campaigns Hub is passionate about influencing the political landscape to ensure nature is protected and restored by our decision makers.
Want to get involved?
- Send a message on Facebook
- Contact George on youthcampaigns@forestandbird.org.nz
Wellington
Forest & Bird Youth in Wellington is involved in environmental projects and events throughout the Wellington Region.
They aim to provide young people with access to opportunities, development, and collaboration.
Want to get involved?
- Send a message on Facebook
- Join our Facebook Group
- Contact George and Amber at Forest & Bird Youth Wellington on youthwellington@forestandbird.org.nz
Christchurch
Forest and Bird Youth in Christchurch is committed to engaging young people with environmental initiatives. They participate in volunteering projects and are actively involved with the region's environmental issues.
Want to get involved?
- Send a message on Facebook
- Join our Facebook Group
- Check out our Instagram
- Contact Ella, Estelle, or Bruce at Forest & Bird Christchurch on youthchristchurch@forestandbird.org.nz
Taupō-Rotorua
Forest and Bird Youth in Rotorua and Taupō is passionate about trapping, restoration work, and clean-ups.
Want to get involved?
- Send a message on Facebook
- Join our Facebook Group
- Check out our Instagram
- Contact Jess, Kaitlyn, Kensie and Naomi at Forest & Bird Taupō-Rotorua on taupo.rotorua.fbyouth@gmail.com
National
We got so much out of coming together to help with Operation Tidy Fox in 2019, that we plan to do more nation-wide activities going forward.
Our Online Action Team is putting on some great digital events, competitions, and projects in 2020.
Northland
This is a new Hub for 2020. We are currently looking for more young people to join our leadership team.
Want to get involved?
- Check out our Facebook
- Contact Ariki on youthnorthland@forestandbird.org.nz
Join Forest & Bird Youth
Want to start your own
Forest & Bird Youth Hub?
Contact our Youth Support Coordinator to find out more about how you can get young people engaged in conservation issues with a Youth Hub in your area. Note: We won't be starting any new Hubs until Feb 2021.