Small changes and big impacts: Youth Leader cares for the environment

Student journalist Roshni Bhatia catches up with Youth Leader Reina Li to find out what drives her passion for the environment and involvement with Te Hōnonga a Iwi

Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoring Rosedale has numerous youth leaders and is constantly helping volunteers connect more deeply with te taiao (the natural environment). 

Youth leader Reina Li is a chicken carer and a regular at the working bees. These working bees have allowed her to learn more about the environment, which she eventually fell in love with. It all started with her just giving it a go!

Reina says, “One thing a lot of people don’t really expect me to do as a leader at the restoration is that I care for chickens. I clean their water and feed them. The unexpected thing is, every time I volunteer, I get eggs.” 

Along with being a youth leader, Reina is a Year 10 student at Rangitoto College who actively participates in service opportunities like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the school community garden.

She says that biology is the subject that appeals to her most at school. Reina enjoys learning about living things, food chains, and the world around us. One thing she looks forward to, other than working at the restoration, is debate club. She loves debating environmental topics with her teammates and expanding her knowledge and skill set.

A funny moment Reina had with her younger brother at the restoration was when she took him with her to care for the chickens, and he was scared of them. They were flying around, and he was shrieking. Reina mentions that this moment was “adorable, but funny.”

There hasn’t been one particular moment Reina is proud of, but every time she does something that helps and makes a difference, she walks out of the restoration satisfied. 

When asked what she wishes people her age understood about nature, she replied, “I wish people understood that everything matters. Every weed you weed, every tree you plant–everything matters. Every piece of paper you use has an impact on the environment, and every tree you plant makes a positive impact.

Something everyone should do is pick up trash. When I see trash, it's terrible because there’s a bin right there!” Reina believes that acknowledging these issues will help the creatures in the environment. 

Reina’s confidence has definitely grown. Being so involved has allowed her to be part of the community, become comfortable with people, and gain achievements for which people know her.

Now, as a part of this project, Reina has started tending to her garden at her house. She plants strawberry seeds and plans to plant more plants in the near future. 

As a youth leader, Reina looks up to a couple of people, including Elouise, the leader of most working bees, who educates others about the importance of the environment and makes an impact on those who want to learn about the environment. She also looks up to David Attenborough and has watched his documentaries(at quite a young age!) and wants to take action like him.