Meet Ōtautahi Youth event leader, Jessica Przychodzko

What’s your story? What’s your whakapapa and what has your life journey been?  

I grew up on the Kapiti Coast, surrounded by nature. It was a 10-minute walk to the river, a 10-minute bike ride to the beach, and a 15-minute bike ride to the mountains. From an early age, I loved animals, being in water and spending time being around plants. Of all my siblings, I was the one always gardening, and nearly all of my childhood drawings featured animals (especially horses) or nature. 

I fell in love with biology in high school, inspired by my teacher's deep passion for the natural world. I love learning new things and became curious about the wonders of life and how everything is interconnected. This curiosity led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in biological sciences and environmental science at the University of Canterbury. 
 

Jessica Przychodzko | Ōtautahi Christchurch Youth event leader, at a Youth event.

What is your first memory of nature? How did you first get involved with environmental work?  

I was fortunate to grow up being surrounded by diverse ecosystems. I remember biking along the river, running around in the park and swimming in the ocean with my family on hot summer days. 

In primary school, we were encouraged to take care of the environment through rubbish cleanups and reducing plastic in lunchboxes. I then had the privilege of being a community leader at my high school, where I worked with like-minded students to organise rubbish cleanups and host events to support the community, such as charity bake sales. 

When did Forest & Bird Youth enter your radar? When did you become a Forest & Bird Youth Hub Leader?  

I love birds and first heard of Forest & Bird through the ‘Bird of the Year’ election. My friend, Jessica Lamb, introduced me to Forest & Bird Youth and invited me to attend their events with her. She later mentioned to me that the Ōtautahi Christchurch Hub was looking for leaders. I didn’t hesitate to apply, and I’ve now been a leader for a year! 
 
You are a leader in the Ōtautahi Christchurch Hub of Forest & Bird Youth – tell us your role and vision for the Hub?  

In my role with the Ōtautahi Christchurch Hub I organise projects and promote Forest & Bird Youth at club events. I have met so many amazing people and aim to motivate others to get involved while increasing their knowledge about the environment. My vision is to encourage other youth to volunteer and participate in our activities. I’m still learning new things every day! 

Jessica at the Arthur's Pass event hanging with local kea. Image supplied

What Hub project are you most excited about? What are you working on?   

I am always excited about, and will try and organise, any event that involves going on tramps, or has something to do with wildlife – particularly birds, as they are so fascinating!

I recently organised a trip to Arthur’s Pass, where we spent the day building predator traps. It was such a fun event, and I got to meet other like-minded rangatahi. As it was so popular, I will be running it again in 2025 and I’m very excited to see my favourite bird – the kea – again.  

What do you think is the biggest environmental priority for rangatahi young people today?  

I believe most rangatahi are aware of the consequences of climate change, such as extreme weather events, melting sea ice and rising sea levels. These consequences will only intensify in the future, and today’s young people will become adults living in those environments.

That’s why I believe addressing climate change is an environmental priority - there needs to be more action now. This can include doing small things such as speaking up about the impacts of climate change, reducing waste and biking instead of driving. If we all focus on small, easy changes – that can be enough to encourage others to follow.