Youth Ambassadors

Are you looking for a meaningful experience that will open your eyes to new perspectives, equip you with the knowledge to drive positive change and surround you with nature? Look no further! Rotokare's Youth Ambassador Programme is the perfect opportunity! We're scouting for environmentally-savvy students in Year 6&7 who are passionate about wildlife, environmental education, and community awareness. Our carefully selected ambassadors will have exclusive access to our nine unique workshops covering different aspects of New Zealand biodiversity, wildlife release activities, tour guide training for day and night tours, peer education events, networking opportunities with conservationists and educators across Aotearoa, and annual field trips to unique sanctuaries.


The Junior Ambassador programme recruits a small group of rangitahi in year 6/7 that are passionate about wildlife and conservation and takes them through a year-long journey packed with unique experiences that foster their passions and deepen their knowledge. It includes:

  • Nine workshops covering different aspects of Aotearoa’s biodiversity, environmental awareness, and science communication.

  • Tour guide training for both day and night tours

  • Chances to represent Rotokare at special events; from wildlife releases to peer education

  • Network opportunities, in meeting other Rotokare Ambassadors, conservationists, wildlife experts, and educators across Aotearoa

  • A weekend over-night field trip to experience other unique sanctuaries

Junior Ambassadors

The Senior Ambassador programme is an extension of the original Junior programme. It was first developed when headstrong Junior Ambassadors refused to leave once their programme was up! It now aims to take Junior Ambassadors forward to continue their journeys in conservation and personal development.

The Senior Programme is highly Ambassador-led, focusing on honing passions and developing strengths. In addition to ongoing opportunities to attend events. It includes:

  • Four development workshops: Group Dynamics, Science Communication, Conservation Ethics, and Conservation Careers

  • Mentoring Junior workshops

  • A weekend over-night field trip

  • Planning and execution of a individual or group project

Senior Ambassadors

Applications for Junior Ambassadors 2024 open Late 2023