23rd August 2018

Thirty young leaders from around the world are being recognised by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) as the top young change-makers in environmental education for 2018. Each year, the Environmental Education (EE) 30 Under 30 program highlights the work of young educators, under the age of 30, representing diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, who are using environmental education to create change in their communities and forge a sustainable future. Jared Hiakita (Ngāi Tūhoe), who is a waste education advisor for Para Kore ki Te Hiku, joins a group of thirty awardees who are leaders in their communities across five continents.

“I'm really grateful that our mahi with Para Kore is recognised by the North American Association for Environmental Education. In October, I will be traveling to Washington to attend their conference” says Jared Hiakita.

“I hail from a small rural settlement in Aotearoa called Waimana, which sits on the northern edge of a stunning forest called Te Urewera. This place sustained and nurtured my ancestors for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years and is where the seeds of my commitment to the environment were sown. I have a background in community development, arts and education, however from a young age I have been involved in conservation in some shape or form. Now I live in the Far North of Aotearoa, where I am a kaiārahi for Para Kore.”

Jared and his fellow awardees will be honoured at NAAEE’s Annual International Conference in Spokane, Washington, on October 10-13, 2018, where a number of them will share their stories and perspectives on how to develop leadership in the field of environmental education.

The 2018 honorees are bringing new insights, ideas, and talent to the field of environmental education. They are champions of energy, water, climate resilience, the Arctic, environmental health issues, and more. Through a variety of approaches including journalism, music, and gardening, they are working to create change in their communities and on the global stage. Many have founded programs that engage audiences such as indigenous communities and those in less affluent areas, who historically have not been served through traditional environmental education opportunities.

“We are thrilled with the incredible talent, passion, and leadership of these dedicated young individuals who join a growing community of environmental education champions. They are not only working towards a sustainable future, but also inspiring the next generation of leaders who will follow in their footsteps. NAAEE is excited to support their diverse efforts and their continued growth as exceptional environmental education leaders," says Judy Braus, Executive Director of NAAEE.

“It’s amazing to see Jared Hiakita recognised by NAAEE for his dedication and leadership in the field of environmental education” says Jacqui Forbes, Kaihautū Matua for Para Kore.

To learn more about Jared Hiakita and his mahi, visit https://naaee.org/about-us/people/jared-hiakita.

ENDS

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