Environmental leader recognised
An Albany teen is leading the way with his work in involving youth in environmental projects.
Connor Wallace, 17, of Albany Senior High School, was awarded Forest & Bird’s annual Te Kaia¯rahi Rangatahi o te Taiao award on June 25.
The award recognises his role in organising other young people to join him in restoration projects in the Hauraki Gulf.
‘‘It’s so significant to me to be recognised by an organisation that I hold in such high regard,’’ he says.
Growing up, the year 13 student says his interest in conservation was piqued by the Forest & Bird Kiwi Conservation Club magazines, as well as his parents, also keen environmentalists.
A talk from an environmental scientist on a careers day in year 10, led him to volunteering.
‘‘I approached [the scientist] and asked, ‘What should I do to follow in your footsteps?’ He said the best thing you can do is to volunteer as soon as you can, as much as you can, as young as you can.’’
Wallace then emailed Auckland council, who directed him to the Motutapu Restoration Trust, where he volunteered and ‘‘fell in love with the place’’.
He also joined the council’s youth leadership programme ‘MAD’ (Make A Difference).
On starting Albany Senior High School in year 11, Wallace began his Impact Project - a community project of the student’s choice.
After seeing the small numbers of teen volunteers on Motutapu, he decided to design a website to encourage teens to get involved.
‘‘A lot of teenagers have a lot of time on their hands these days, and I think volunteering is a good outlet for that.’’
On EnviroYouth, teens can book to volunteer on either Motutapu or Motuihe islands.
For the past two years, Wallace’s Impact Projects have involved identifying and - with Upper Harbour Local Board funding - trapping pest mammals in nearby Lucas Creek Bush.
He’s now planning a 700m cyclic bush track.
The former Sir Peter Blake Youth EnviroLeaders’ Forum (YELF) delegate says he hopes the award will open doors, ‘‘so I can make a bigger impact, and get as many people as I possibly can involved with and passionate about the environment’’.