Featured in Kia Manawaroa

Luca Pudda (Ngāi Tahu) is a Year 12 ākonga from Verdon College in Invercargill and one of just 30 rangatahi selected from across Aotearoa to participate in BLAKE Inspire for Students this past April.

BLAKE Inspire for Students is a dynamic, week-long programme where ākonga in Years 11-13 work alongside scientists and environmental experts. The programme focuses on developing leadership skills while learning about environmental issues and empowering rangatahi to take meaningful action. This year’s April cohort were hosted in Tāmaki-Makaurau | Auckland.

Luca recalls the moment he found out he was selected for the programme.

“It was a surprise but a really good one,” he says. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to connect with like-minded rangatahi and learn about science-based kaupapa that you don’t usually get in the classroom.”

One of Luca’s standout experiences was a mock politics simulation where his team role played as commercial fishermen.

“Our goal was to grow the ‘mock economy’ while balancing it with environmental sustainability. It really made us think critically about how economic activities impact the oceans and forest and what’s needed to keep those ecosystems healthy.”

Upon completing BLAKE Inspire, ākonga return home with new friends, increased confidence and leadership skills, and an action plan designed to create positive change within their own schools and communities.

Luca’s action plan focuses on protecting Toheroa (shellfish) by ensuring their habitats remain clean and healthy.

“Toheroa are quite endangered here in Murihiku, so I’m working alongside another BLAKE Inspire ākonga to run fortnightly beach clean ups.”

Reflecting on his time in the programme, Luca says it was an incredible experience and encourages others to take part.

“I encourage any ākonga reading this to give BLAKE Inspire a go and to get out into the environment. Do what you can with local groups, and who knows? It might ignite a passion in you to learn and care for our environment too.”

Luca’s long-term goal is to become the Minister for the Environment, but for now, he’s focused on finishing school. “I’ve got school to finish first!”.

The BLAKE Inspire for Student programme runs three intakes a year with applications opening in January/February.