Are you an Otago resident aged 16-18 with a keen interest in the environment? If so how does a week in Wellington meeting like minded people sound?

Nominations are open for the 2010 Sir Peter Blake Trust Youth Environment Forum in Wellington and the Otago Regional Council (ORC) is seeking Otago candidates. The forum, hosted in partnership with the Ministry for the Environment, has an active programme for 16 to 18 year olds.

ORC associate director education and communication Peter Taylor said the youth forum is a great opportunity to learn about the environment and how it is managed in New Zealand while making new friends.

"I have heard back from previous participants that it was an exciting and thought provoking event. Students are given a range of experiences including field events and the opportunity to discuss issues with Government ministers," he said.

Two Otago youths will be selected for a group from around the country of around 45 students who will get to take part in the all expenses paid forum in Wellington from Sunday 11 April to Thursday 15 April 2010.

"We have sent out information packs to all Otago secondary schools, and several other groups and encourage schools to get behind this event," he said.

Applicants must send their name, contact details and explain in up to 300 words their interest in environmental issues to ORC communications co-ordinator Kerry Dohig by 5pm on Wednesday 3 March 2010.