EnviroPAST: Plastic and Sustainability Talks is a by-youth-for-youth initiative and forum, bringing together young people and industry experts in an exciting mix of speaker sessions, workshops and community projects.
First envisioned in 2018 by E Wen Wong, founder of the ocean-advocacy organisation P.S. Our Beaches (now a registered charity), EnviroPAST’s inaugural conference took place in 2019 at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. The second conference, held in 2021 at the University Of Canterbury, continued to build upon the momentum of the first event, providing an inspirational two days for young people to learn and connect. In 2022, the conference moved north to Wellington at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University, bringing the conference and its message to a new audience. In 2023, EnviroPAST was run in Wellington reimagined as an interactive youth sustainability forum.
This year, the forum returns to its home in Ōtautahi and will take place on the 13th and 13th of July at the University of Canterbury
EnviroPAST has been made possible thanks to the support of many generous organisations and businesses. In particular, the Wright Family Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the event and has sponsored every conference/forum. Each year, the forum is organised by a volunteer team of young people.
“I’ve been around a few conferences and events in my time and this one was one of the best ever. Two days of focused attention on the challenges that we all face at so many levels from our almost complete reliance on plastics. Just astounded by the attitude, skills and passion shown today by our next generation of humans. What’s the most impressive thing is that this whole event was put together by such a young group of amazing humans. Can’t wait to see this event come back next year and then go national – cos it needs to!”
Tim Jones
2019, 2021 & 2022 MC
Our team
Meet the committee who organise the 2024 Christchurch Forum.
Brydie Washington
Team COORDINATOR
Kia ora! I’m Brydie and I am the coordinator for EnviroPAST 2024. After attending the first ever EnviroPAST event, I went on to study Environmental Science and Psychology, and now I have come full circle to being involved in making it happen for another cohort of like-minded young people. I can’t wait to see what this event kick-starts for our next wave of participants and how it can really broaden the scope of environmental topics. See you at EnviroPAST 2024!
Emma Burton
Design & Marketing
Kia ora! My name is Emma, and this is my fourth year being on the EnviroPAST team. I’m running the design and marketing for this year’s event, and it’s super exciting seeing it make its way back to Christchurch. I look forward to meeting all of you guys there!
Zoey Kenix
COMMUNICATIONS
Kia ora! I’m a Year 13 student at Burnside High School. I love science, art, and literature and am passionate about the environment and nature. I loved attending EnviroPAST as a younger student, so I am super excited to join the team this year! 
WILL WRAY
ADMINISTRATIoN
Kia ora! I’m Will and I’m a law student at the University of Otago. I manage the admin for the forum, from our website and ticketing, to forum app. I’m excited to be bringing the forum back to Ōtautahi after a couple of years on the road! 
Liam Speechlay
Finance
Hey, my name is Liam, and I’m in my final year of high school in the wonderful city of Ōtautahi. It’s super exciting to be getting stuck into organising the forum. See you all soon! 
Fiona Lu
LOGISTICS
大家好! My name is Fiona, I currently work in the apparel industry having graduated from Massey in Design back in 2022. I love working within environmental, youth and well-being spaces. My role is to support the team in the logistics ensuring a community building and fun two day event!