EnviroPAST: Plastic and Sustainability Talks is a by-youth-for-youth initiative and conference, 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.
This year, the conference is on the move north and will be held in Wellington at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University.
“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 MC
Our team
Meet the committee organising the 2022 Wellington Conference.
EMMA BURTON
CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
Kia ora! My name is Emma Burton, and I am a second-year design student, studying at Massey CoCA. I am the coordinator for this years conference, and hope to create a space where all opinions feel included. I’m super passionate about sustainability, especially in the art space, and am so excited to see where this year goes. Look forward to seeing you all in July!
CLAIRE JOHNSON
PROMOTIONS OFFICER
Hi everyone! My name is Claire and I’m currently a second year fashion design student at Massey University! I manage the promotions side of EnviroPAST Wellington and I am humbled to be able to have this opportunity. I’m really passionate about reducing our waste within the fashion industry and teaching others what I know. Can’t wait to see you all!
WILL WRAY
ADMINISTRATIoN OFFICER
Kia ora, my name is Will and I’m a law and commerce student at the University of Otago. I manage the admin for the conference, from our website and ticket sales to conference app. After helping organise the last two conferences in Christchurch, I’m really excited to be taking EnviroPAST on the road to Wellington this year!
SARAH BURTON
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hey Sarah here! I am a fourth year LLB(Hons) and BA student at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. I love learning about innovative and equitable ways that we can protect the environment both locally and globally. I am super excited to see what you come up with at the conference!
JACQUELINE KAN
DESIGN AND MARKETING OFFICER
Hi there, my name is Jacqueline! I am a second-year communication design student who is studying all the way up in Auckland. I am the design and marketing officer for EnviroPAST this year, and I’m super excited for what’s to come! I’m very interested in the new technologies and products that are being created to push towards the goal of becoming a more sustainable society.
PAIGE JESSIE
LOGISTICS OFFICER
Kia ora everyone, my name is Paige and I am a second year student studying Creative Media Production at Massey University. I am running the Logistics side of EnviroPast and I’m so excited to be involved in such an amazing conference! I can’t wait to see all our environmentally conscious youth join together to help create change.