Tim Harker selected to partake in the ninth annual Sir Peter Blake Youth Environ Leaders’ Forum 2012

Year 13 Onehunga High School student and participant in the LENScience Student Scientist Mentor Programme since Year 10, Tim Harker has been selected to partake in the ninth annual Sir Peter Blake Youth Environ Leaders’ Forum 2012. As a Year 10 student Tim successfully completed research on Why do birds stand on one leg? published in Notornis in 2010. Now enrolled in the LENScience Junior Science Award, Tim is currently undertaking research to explore how footprints can be used for predicting condition of individuals in populations of geckos. He is mentored through LENScience by Helen Mora.

The Sir Peter Blake Youth Environ Leaders’ Forum takes place in Auckland and Northland from 15-19 April with 50 young leaders from around New Zealand. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Kermadecs and the Young Blake Expedition, to sail and snorkel and visit amazing locations around these regions as well as opportunities for leadership development.

The five-day Forum aims to address topical environmental issues facing New Zealand including energy conservation, e-waste, fresh water management, sustainability, biodiversity and climate change, and to help delegates develop strategies to address them.

The Forum is hands on, student driven and is designed to inspire and build the capability of young environmental leaders. Delegates have the opportunity to participate in field trips and workshops, develop leadership skills, and to meet and engage with like-minded contemporaries, inspiring and informative speakers and experts – including Sir Peter Blake Trust alumni, Ministry for the Environment staff, local and national politicians, subject experts, business and community leaders.

The expedition crew will use the Forum event as an opportunity to meet and interact with delegates, and from this group 30 will be selected to join the Young Blake Expedition to the Kermadecs from 8-19 August 2012.

Congratulations Tim and good luck with your selection for the Young Blake Expedition to the Kermadecs in August.