The Plastic Bottle Kayak: 2015 Expedition to Abel Tasman National Park

The Plastic Bottle Kayak: 2015 Expedition To Abel Tasman National Park

Project 2015-02-01 23:25:36 +1300

The Plastic Bottle Kayak aims to excite, inspire, and empower New Zealanders to make a positive change in Aotearoa, through bad-ass, action based adventures.

BACKGROUND

Using unique outdoor expeditions as a way to raise awareness about the plastic consumption and waste produced in New Zealand and to kickstart people into action, the youth and volunteer run initiative established itself in May 2013, when 25 passionate young Kiwi leaders from around the country came together and paddled in kayaks they created out of upcycled plastic bottles. They paddled on an epic 3 day adventure, through 100km of the Whanganui River, to showcase one of New Zealand’s most stunning rivers and to raise awareness of a serious environmental issue: plastic pollution. The adventure gained a lot of media attention, and an award-winning short film was produced from the expedition, spreading our message of sustainable living far and wide.

THE 2015 EXPEDITION

In 2015, we’re making the Plastic Bottle Kayak bigger and better. We want to bring our adventure to kiwis everywhere – from the classroom to the couch – to engage them with the beauty of New Zealand and the exciting possibilities that sustainability brings our society. Over 3 days, from March 22-24, youth leaders from around New Zealand will become advocates for a cleaner Aotearoa, paddling through New Zealand’s only coastal national park, the Abel Tasman.

An exciting new addition to the upcoming adventure is our education outreach programme involving kiwis everywhere in the expedition. This year we are providing a free educational curriculum to kiwi teachers which includes a variety of topics associated with sustainability. Following the expedition, students will be challenged to apply what they have learned and undertake environmental actions within their schools or communities. They will also be able to access support from the youth leaders on the expedition that are in their region.

Everyday New Zealanders will also be able to engage with the project, accessing video content, blogs, and more, through the website, and Facebook and Twitter pages.

YOUR SUPPORT

This year, we have generous support from the Department of Conservation, Abel Tasman Kayaks, and Interislander, with more companies joining the movement. But we still need your help to raise money to build our kayaks, bring the expedition to life, and deliver a succesful educational outreach programme - so please chip in, and share this page with your friends and family!

Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages to keep in touch with us!

Thank you for all your help and support!

Note: T-shirts, badges, and postcards are only available to New Zealand residents. However any non-physical rewards can still be claimed, and we can find plenty of other ways to thank you for your generosity!

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