Source: World Vision
Hundreds of young people across Auckland and Christchurch will roll up their sleeves to restore local ecosystems and support vulnerable Pacific communities this month as part of the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge.
Christian conservation organisation A Rocha Aotearoa is hosting two large-scale native planting events on Saturday, 20 June and Sunday, 21 June, with youth groups aiming to plant more than 1,500 native trees in Auckland and Christchurch to raise funds for the one in six children in the Pacific who are struggling to get enough nutritious food to eat due to climate change.
James Beck from A Rocha Aotearoa says the events are designed to empower young people to respond to environmental challenges in meaningful ways:
“Young people care deeply about the future of our planet and the wellbeing of their Pacific neighbours,” says Beck. ” These events are about giving them a hands-on opportunity to take action locally while standing in solidarity with Pacific communities experiencing the impacts of climate change.”
In Auckland, participants will gather at Unsworth Reserve in Unsworth Heights from 10am-12pm on Saturday, 20 June, to help restore native habitat and improve biodiversity in the local area. The planting day is being supported by World Vision, the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network, and local churches.
In Christchurch, young people will work alongside community groups at Westmorland West Reserve from 1pm-4pm on Sunday, 21 June to regenerate native vegetation at one of the region’s most ecologically significant coastal sites. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust and Christchurch City Council and forms part of A Rocha’s Good News Project, which encourages young people to care for creation through practical action.
World Vision New Zealand National Director TJ Grant says partnerships like this demonstrate how local action can create positive change both at home and abroad.
” Climate change is already affecting the ability of many Pacific families to grow food and provide for their children,” says Grant. ” What’s inspiring about these events is seeing young New Zealanders respond with compassion, practical action, and a desire to make a real difference.”
This year’s World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is raising funds to support communities in Solomon Islands experiencing increasing food insecurity caused by climate change, including rising sea levels, unpredictable weather, and declining crop yields.
Youth groups interested in participating can register through A Rocha Aotearoa. To learn more about the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, visit www.40hour.org.nz.