We're supporting the delivery of the climate change learning programme to children and young people.
Working with children and young people
Since mid-2020, the Council has been supporting the delivery of the climate change learning programme Huringa āhuarangi: Whakareri mai kia haumaru āpōpō Climate Change: prepare today, live well tomorrow(external link), with a supplementary adaptation lesson for schools in low-lying inland and coastal communities.
The learning programme helps to raise awareness of climate change and start conversations about how we can respond to the impacts of sea-level rise as a city.
It also offers children and young people opportunities to collectively act on their knowledge and ideas to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change - an important component proven to increase hope and wellbeing.
"As I began to learn more about what was happening, what we were doing to help, and how we, as children and as individuals, could make a difference, I started to feel more hopeful. It reassured me that this is something we can work together to fix. With this new-found knowledge, I was able to make more informed decisions about my future and the world I’ll be growing up in" – Bronte, Year 9.
Fourteen Ōtautahi Christchurch and Te Pātaka a Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula schools have participated in the programme since 2020. More recently, as the first community for focused adaptation planning, the Council have been engaging with communities in Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Koukourarata Port Levy. This included engagement with three local schools in Diamond Harbour, Governors Bay and Lyttelton.
Actions undertaken by participating children and schools include:
- Community climate change street art, encouraging Whakaraupō community climate discussion and action. Find out more by reading this spotlight(external link) and watching this short video(external link) from Sail GP Team GBR 60 Sec Climate Champions series.
- Presentations to and engagements with Community Boards, Council Councillors, relevant national Select Committees and the United Nations Committee for the Rights of the Child.
- Composing songs – Watch Fix it Up(external link) and Dammit, we broke the world(external link).
- Writing children’s books, scripts and filming climate change documentaries.
- Alternate school transport planning and action, including a walking train and scooters, etc.
- Surveying communities about climate change and the big issues for them.
If you’re interested in being involved in the programme, please email Sian at sian@futurecurious.co.nz, or phone 027 777 5477 to discuss.
Next Generation Conversation: It is our right to be heard
Guided by values of diversity and equity, respect and kindness, open communication, and care for the natural environment, the NGC has provided feedback on major Council plans and policies, including the Coastal Adaptation Framework, the draft Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan for Whakaraupō Lyttelton and Koukourarata Port Levy, the Long-Term Plan 2024–2034, and the Annual Plan 2025-26. They also engage with other councils, universities, NGOs, and the central government.
Next Generation Conversation (NGC) is a coalition of students from the Christchurch district aged 10 to 16 who are passionate about climate change.
The group formed in 2021 after taking part in the Climate Change Learning Programme and submitting on the Council’s Coastal Adaptation Framework. Since then, they’ve continued to meet regularly after school to discuss policy issues and engage with decision-makers.
The short film We Asked to Be Heard documents their beginnings and the impact of their Coastal Adaptation Framework submission. Read more on Newsline(external link).
Get involved
Most members join after being part of the Climate Change Learning Programme, where they are inspired to continue having their voices heard in climate decision-making. Others join through recommendations or word of mouth.
In this instance, interested young people are asked to share their understanding of climate change and any relevant experience. Membership is capped at 25.