Young people can explore the Bay’s coastal environment by e-bike as part of this year’s Climate Action Festival.

The Coastal Ecology E-Ride on September 19 will take those aged 18 to 35 from Pāpāmoa to Kaituna Spit, with local experts stopping along the way to talk about the dunes, wetlands, estuaries and residential areas they pass through.

The three-hour ride will explore the ecology of each environment and why protecting biodiversity matters in the face of climate change.

Climate Action Festival project coordinator Hannah Cousar said the event was one she particularly wanted to include this year.

“This year we’ve got such a diverse line-up of events,” she said. “I really wanted to focus on having at least one event that was targeting a younger audience.”

The ride was organised by Envirohub Bay of Plenty and Space for Nature, with support from Electrify NZ. E-bikes will be provided and snacks supplied along the way.

Cycling experience is required, although the trail is not difficult. The ride costs $35 and places are limited.

Olivia Yang, Michael Riley, Hannah Cousar and Megan Cross enjoying a coastal ride. Photo / Envirohub Bay of Plenty

For Cousar, the e-ride reflects a wider theme she wanted to bring to the festival – getting people outside and experiencing the environment they are learning about.

“We talk so much about the environment, and the great things that we are doing with it, and how to be a little bit more sustainable,” she said.

“But I really wanted to actually bring that outdoors this festival, to appreciate what we’ve got around us.”

The Climate Action Festival from September 14-20 is a week-long celebration of climate action, highlighting positive work already happening in the community while providing opportunities to learn, connect and get involved.

In its fourth year, the festival will feature events organised by Envirohub Bay of Plenty, partner organisations and community groups.

The week begins September 14 with a free lunchtime talk, Making the Switch: Solar, EVs & Home Electrification, at Basestation in Durham St. A speaker from Rewiring Aotearoa will share practical experiences of solar, home electrification and electric vehicle use.

On September 15, River Lessons from Europe will explore what Aotearoa can learn from European river restoration. Anna Wentsch and Callum Armstrong will share stories from their 2850km cycling journey along the Danube River, including visits to conservation and restoration projects.

Anna Wentsch and Callum Armstrong cycling in Bulgaria. Photo / Callum Armstrong & Anna Wentsch /Conservation Amplified

A free environmental panel will be held at The Cargo Shed on September 17, bringing representatives from six political parties together ahead of this year’s General Election. The panel will focus on environmental policy, long-term funding and how parties can work together beyond election cycles.

On September 19, The Cargo Shed will host a $1 clothing sale promoting sustainable textiles, with proceeds going to Turning Point Trust.

The Cargo Shed will also host The Climate Canvas Art Exhibition from September 17-20 with an awards ceremony on September 20.

Other activities include a hands-on seed-growing workshop, a community planting session at Uretara Landing in Katikati, a walk exploring wading birds and coastal habitats at Cooney Reserve in Ōmokoroa, and a composting session in Te Puke.

Cousar said the festival was ultimately about celebrating the positive action already happening locally. “All the positive stuff that is happening in our community, as opposed to focusing on more of the doom and gloom of some of the crazy stuff that goes on in our world.”

Coastal Ecology E-Ride: Saturday, September 19, 10am-2pm, Pāpāmoa to Kaituna Spit. For ages 18-35. Cycling experience required. Cost $35. Places are limited.

For more information on the Climate Action Festival go to www.envirohub.org.nz