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Environmental Advocacy Groups Worksheet

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Environmental Advocacy Groups Worksheet

Read the scenario and use the information on this sheet to plan and assess an environmental advocacy campaign. Answer in complete sentences where appropriate. Consider evidence, community perspectives and possible trade-offs.

Scenario: A stream under pressure

A community group is concerned about Te Awa Stream, which flows through farmland and a growing town before reaching the coast. After heavy rain, the water sometimes looks cloudy. Residents have also noticed fewer native fish. The group wants to work with mana whenua, local residents, farmers and the regional council to improve the stream. It plans to gather reliable evidence before asking for changes.

1.Explain what environmental advocacy means. Use the Te Awa Stream scenario to give one example of advocacy in action.

2.Which action would give the group the most useful foundation for a credible campaign?

Publish a claim that farming is the only cause before collecting information.
Collect water-quality and habitat data at regular locations and times, while seeking local knowledge.
Ask people to sign a petition without explaining the issue.
Demand a new rule before finding out what is affecting the stream.

3.Match each type of organisation with the contribution that best fits. Organisations can have several areas of work; these are example contributions.

Forest & Bird
Greenpeace Aotearoa
Mana whenua environmental group
350 Aotearoa

Provides place-based mātauranga and kaitiakitanga perspectives, and may help guide care for the local environment.
Advocates for native wildlife, habitats and biodiversity.
Runs public campaigns on environmental issues, including climate and ocean protection.
Campaigns for action on climate change.

4.Explain how kaitiakitanga could shape the way the group plans its stream campaign. Include one practical example of working respectfully with mana whenua.

Site

Turbidity (NTU)

Native fish observed

Upstream

Downstream

5.Using the monitoring results, describe one pattern and explain one reason the group should avoid claiming that turbidity caused the difference in fish observations.

6.Select all the approaches that could build informed, constructive participation in the Te Awa Stream campaign.

Hold a public meeting where evidence and different perspectives can be discussed.
Organise a stream clean-up and native planting day with appropriate guidance.
Share clear monitoring results and explain their limitations.
Dismiss farmers’ concerns without listening to them.
Invite mana whenua and other local groups to help shape priorities.
Use a petition or letter campaign that states a specific, evidence-based request.

7.Suggest three different strategies the group could use to encourage action. For each, state who it is aimed at or what it would achieve.

8.Describe how an advocacy group could use evidence and public engagement to influence a regional council decision. Include one specific request the group might make.

9.A draft poster says, “Farmers have destroyed the stream—sign now!” Identify two problems with this message and rewrite it as a more balanced, evidence-aware campaign message.

10.Name one realistic action a young person could take to support environmental advocacy in their community. Explain how it could help and identify one person or group they should work with.