Young Voices Unite: Rangatahi Leaders to Address Climate Change at COP30 in Brazil

Aotearoa New Zealand is sending a group of ten young Māori, known as rangatahi, to represent their communities at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil. This is their first time as a formal delegation, aimed at amplifying Māori voices on climate issues.

These rangatahi, aged between 18 and 30, come from diverse backgrounds and are supported by their iwi. They intend to share their views and experiences on climate change, focusing particularly on water health, a critical issue for many Māori communities.

Kyla Campbell-Kamariera from Te Rarawa shared her passion for water safety, stating that her community recently secured funding to enhance its water systems. She emphasized the connection between the health of their waterways and their people’s wellbeing: “The health of our water is tied to the health of us as people.”

Their discussions also revolve around what new insights they can offer to the COP dialogue. Taane Aruka Te Aho, another member of the group, mentioned the significant responsibility they carry: “It’s crucial to take our messages and knowledge back home to support our people.”

The selection process for this delegation was competitive, with over 60 applicants. Kiritapu Allan, a former government minister, noted their diverse expertise, from marae leaders to climate scientists. This mixture aims to ensure Aotearoa is well-represented, especially in the dedicated Pacific Pavilion at COP30.

Marama Royal, an iwi leader, pushed for this initiative after noticing the lack of Māori representation at previous conferences. She believes Māori solutions, rooted in traditional knowledge, are vital in tackling climate change. “We need to show the world what we’re doing to protect our future,” she said.

Recent events, like Cyclone Gabrielle, have highlighted the urgency of climate action in Aotearoa. The cyclone’s devastation affected many communities and spurred a renewed focus on climate resilience. Allan pointed out that 80% of Māori marae are vulnerable to climate threats, demonstrating the immediate need for adaptive measures.

As the rangatahi prepare for COP30, they aim to bring both pressing issues and local, knowledge-based solutions to the international stage. Their collective voice marks a step toward reinforcing Māori participation in global climate discussions, showcasing the invaluable role they play in the fight against climate change.

For more on recent environmental initiatives, check out the Ministry for the Environment for reports and updates.

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