By harnessing our passion to create change, we are inspiring and involving young people to protect planet earth and do our part to reverse the crisis facing te taiao nature in Aotearoa 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.
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 can 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 Forest & Bird's conference in Wellington.
The programme is funded through a Forest & Bird Youth Fund and supported by a Youth Network Support Coordinator based at national office.
Download our 2024 Information Pack
Applications open for roles in the Youth National Committee!
Join us to steer the national goals and directives for Forest and Bird Youth and empower rangatahi across Aotearoa to protect and conserve te taiao!
Roles open in the Youth National Committee are:
Youth Co-Director: role description here
Youth Secretary: role description here
Requirements:
- Need to be rangatahi/youth aged 18-25 years
- Need to be members (or agree to be members on election) of Forest & Bird Youth.
Process:
- Write to youthsupport@forestandbird.org.nz with an Expression of Interest
- Attend two interviews to secure your nomination
- Be elected into your position at the next YNC meeting.
Join Forest & Bird Youth
Forest & Bird Youth | Ngā Māhuri Tiaki is a for youth, by youth, network for young people aged 14-25 years. As a youth member, you will have opportunities to learn and grow in the conservation and sustainability space, receive the Forest & Bird conservation magazine, and find a place to advocate for nature alongside our national network of young and inspiring environmental changemakers.
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Want to start your own Forest & Bird Youth Hub?
Contact our Youth Network Support Coordinator to find out more about how you and other young people can get engaged in conservation issues with a Youth Hub in your area, or around your area of interest.
Forest & Bird Youth Leaders
As a Youth Leader, you can spearhead projects, lead active conservation and advocacy, receive professional development, get funding, network with other Youth conservationists, build up your skills, and truly lead rangatahi to create change for te taiao. Our Youth Leaders are inspiring, innovative, and impactful. Read more about our Youth Leaders and find out about their interests and passions:
Jessica Przychodzko | Ōtautahi Christchurch Youth event leader, at a Youth event.
Sarah Sickorez | Forest & Bird Youth's Te Matau-a-Māui Hawkes Bay Hub leader.
Rewa Gebbie | leader for Forest & Bird Youth's Ōtautahi Christchurch Hub, at Milford Sound.
Abby Patterson | Forest & Bird Youth Communications Manager
Magnolia Wild | Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington Hub leader & member of the national Communications Hub
Amber Cayley | Taranaki Hub co-leader
Samuel Salisbury | Taranaki Hub co-leader
Ella Peoples | member of the national Campaigns Hub
Ruben Trimble | Te Tai Tokerau Northland Hub leader
Nate Wilbourne | national Communications Hub leader
Jessica Lamb | Ōtautahi Christchurch Hub leader and national Youth Director
Forest & Bird Youth Alumni
Read more about Forest & Bird Youth Alumni. Find out what they enjoyed and how they contributed to protecting te taiao nature.
2024 Hui | Climate Action for a Better Future
Ngā Māhuri Tiaki Forest & Bird Youth leaders (F&BY) and members from across Aotearoa New Zealand attended an inspirational online Youth Hui on 10 February. Watch below!
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