Farewell from Kensie, after 5 years on the KGT team

Kensie Gard, KGT student leader 2018-2022

Wow! What an incredible journey it has been over the past five years. I first joined Kids Greening Taupō at the beginning of 2018, my first year of high school. However, my first introduction to environmental education and KGT actually went back to my final years of primary school. I’d like to especially mention my Year 5 and 6 teacher Beth Wills who first introduced environmental education into our classroom. Mrs Wills took a different approach to our learning, as we spent our years learning through nature and getting taught the importance of our Papatūānuku. I often reflect back to these years and remember these as some of the best school years of my life, and I now only recently realise that the environmental education I had in those years was the kick off for my journey. I actually had the opportunity to join Kids Greening Taupō in my final year of primary in its first year of running and for some weird reason, I didn’t join! I don’t think it was until the end of that year when I realised how much I love nature and learning through environmental education that the regret started to sink in! Wherever you are in the world Mrs Wills, I want to say thank you. Although I didn’t realise it at the time, you most definitely made a huge impact to kickstart my passion for the environment.

So when the opportunity arose to join at high school, I eagerly jumped on board! I’ve made the most incredible memories over the past five years, and many valuable connections with people and the land. KGT has provided me with so many rewarding opportunities that have built my character, brought me out of my shell, discovered passions I didn't know I had, connected me with some pretty amazing people, and just opportunities that have made me genuinely happy. A glimpse into some of the amazing opportunities I have gotten involved in over the years include planting days, conservation events, public speaking (local councils, schools, large companies, and at events), restoration projects, Forest & Bird National Hui AGM weekend in Wellington, support to establish a Forest & Bird Youth Hub, Tuakana-Teina, learning from local experts, ecology learning sessions, being the chairperson of the student leader team for many years, and heaps more epic things! Having such a wide variety of opportunities over the years has provided me with some awesome experiences I’ll remember for a lifetime and I use many of the skills I learnt from these everyday.

I’ve definitely come a long way since I first joined. Thea (KGT coordinator) likes to mention how when she first met me I was pretty shy, and never willingly wanted to public speak. Compared to now where I can comfortably say I’m happy to go up and speak in front of a large group of people, it’s super cool to self reflect on how far I’ve come. It is genuinely the most rewarding experience I have ever been a part of, and I am so thankful to have been a part of Kids Greening Taupō. 

From my heavy involvement in Kids Greening Taupō, I was able to explore my interests and discover how much I value giving back to our land. I believe nature has a lot of lessons to teach us, and through curiosity and exploration we begin to value and respect our Earth more. This passion is something that I will continue for my future, as next year I will be studying Environmental Science, Geology, and a bit of the Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury. After completing my studies, it would be incredible to work for an organisation who holds their values within protecting and caring for our environment. Career aspirations include a position where I am able to give back to our land and protect our natural taonga. Whether this be a position working outdoors with the land, monitoring native species for DOC, or environmental or sustainability management, I know what values lie within myself; and this is looking after our planet for our future generations - all thanks to the influence of Kids Greening Taupō. I originally was planning to go down a completely different career path years ago, but KGT made me realise what my true passions actually are, and helped me find my love and appreciation for the outdoors where I thrive the most.  I was fortunate enough to receive the Richard Arkwright Memorial Scholarship from the Lake Taupō Rotary, awarded to a student pursuing tertiary study in an environmental field. This is another awesome example of the many opportunities that without KGT, I wouldn’t have received. 

I would like to especially thank the Kids Greening Taupō Coordinators who have been there for different parts of my journey over the past five years. Thea, Sian, Rachel, and Heidi, each of you have inspired and mentored me in ways in which I am forever grateful for. You have all contributed to helping me grow into the person I am today, encouraging me to take every opportunity and teaching me valuable life skills. You all have made a huge positive impact on me, and I know you will all continue to inspire others throughout your lives.

Also a massive thanks to the team at Greening Taupō and particularly Project Tongariro who support projects like Kids Greening Taupō. Without your help none of this would have been possible. And a last massive thank you to the Taupō community and those who were / are a part of Kids Greening Taupō. Thank you to you all and everyone who gets involved in some way or another. It is so rewarding to see so much kaitiakitanga in action. You all are doing incredible things for our Papatūānuku and it’s been a privilege to see how far KGT has come since I first joined. Your contribution is all key for change.

 Again I’d like to say thank you. I’ll never forget these incredible past five years in Kids Greening Taupō, this was an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. 

 Toitū te marae a Tāne, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata 

If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.

 Ngā mihi nui,

 Kensie Gard