We had some wonderful stories, photos and videos from some very passionate people who love Aotearoa and want to help save its wildlife and wild places – tino pai!.
This story is from 10 year old Ella, our WINNER!
Aotearoa means “land of the long white cloud”. Aren’t we proud of that? So why should we stand here and let New Zealand turn into “land of the long black smoggy cloud”?
New Zealand. 2016. Tourist attraction. Gleaming white glaciers, sparkling azure lakes, clean, green bush. BUT! New Zealand. 2030. Melting glaciers. Stinky lakes. Litter filled bush. Where did we go wrong? When people forgot the laughing children at the lake. When they forgot the thrill of skiing. When they forgot the the delicious picnics made for the tramp. They forgot that New Zealand is inhabited by more than money. They thought by chopping down trees to clear land for bigger, better houses, they were making a better place for future generations.
How wrong they were.
Wow! New Zealand! Birdsong, sea life, bugs, seabirds! People think we have plenty and just in case ask, “how can I help?” and then write up “don’t litter” signs. That helps a little bit. Children petting animals? That’s okay, but even better is when they are enjoying it. But once again people don’t see them at all. Drop that lolly wrapper by the sea. Grab your trawler nets, New Zealanders LOVE fish! But oh no, where are the fish? That’s okay, we will have to go deeper! You fished up a seal mate! We can sell it to a fancy restaurant! Boom boom boom NO MORE FISH! What, how, when?? And then there is the predator problem. Predators eat birds and their eggs but the thing is, cats are CUTE and CUDDLY! More and more people want them, but they are our native birds’ greatest enemies.
I enjoy New Zealand. It is a fun, happy place to live, but if we aren’t careful, everything could vanish before our eyes. It’s our choice – are you going to believe me?
Ella in the wilderness Photo by Al
