Take Action
As kiwis, we are extremely lucky with our beautiful country. It is easy to lose sight of how diverse our flora and fauna is when we are constantly surrounded by this exceptional landscape. We except this as normal, and it is OUR normal. But for others, they may not be so lucky.
I have lived in New Zealand for my entire life. Brought up in the small heart of the North Island, otherwise known as Taupo – home to the biggest Lake in New Zealand. I grew up passionate about all things nature: bugs, birds, animals, our resources and I loved climbing trees.
This passion was introduced to me at a young age through those closest to me. I got to experience nature through adventure and hands on learning through Kiwi Conservation Club, Forest & Bird and of course getting out and exploring in my own backyard.
This passion has stuck with me since then and has been further endorsed by opportunities through school – such as Kiwi Forever, Sir Peter Blake Young Environmental Leaders Forum, Kids Greening Taupo, working through the Department of Conservation over Summer and the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education Conference.
Opportunities are everything
No matter how big or small an opportunity may seem at the time, you will always learn something from your experience. Experience nature in your own way, get out and involved as much as you can, get others involved and spark their passions too.
Whether it be exploring our flora and fauna while tramping, mountain biking, orienteering, geocaching or a combination of many interests – every little bit of experience can lead to bigger and better things.
The more people that get out there now and experience a passion for nature for themselves the more value people will see in our environment and protecting it for future generations.
Sian Moffitt is currently studying at Victoria University’s Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, and received Forest & Bird undergraduate Scholarship in 2015.
