Gloria Blake - Miss Earth New Zealand 2012 Profile

Gloria Blake

Miss Earth New Zealand 2012

BIO:
Age: 20
Height: 5'8"
Hometown: Auckland
Profession: Student

INTERVIEW:

What environmental project will you create to promote the protection of Mother Earth and why?
The environmental project I am aiming on establishing is based on the education of children and youth so that younger generations can understand the importance of maintaining and conserving the planet. This project will work with government organizations to collectively agree on environmental issues that are a priority on a national and international scale. These issues will be developed into a presentation and delivered to various schools to promote the need for conservation and sustainability. Coupling the presentation will be the implementation of one of two options; a modified board game based on the native garden project concept. Secondly, fruit and vegetable gardens to provide schools with a sustainable food supply in low socio-economic areas. The idea of native gardens is based on the knowledge that in towns and cities within New Zealand many of our native birds have retreated from these hubs. By planting native trees, it gives these birds homes, food supply, and reintroduces society to the wonders of New Zealand. By having a native garden built around the concept of modified board games, such as snakes and ladder’s or knots and crosses. This makes the experience interactive enjoyable to children, while learning about the environment and hopefully increasing levels of participation. The idea of fruit and vegetable gardens is based on the necessity of several issues that face society. Giving a low socio-economic school the chance to aid in reducing CO2 emissions by planting extra trees teaches students how to be productive in gardening, creating healthier food options for students and at the same time allowing these students to have a free food at school. The project allows modern youth to gain an understanding of the environment they live in. by educating those who are young it creates in them habits that are ecologically friendly in an early stage. To me power is knowledge, if you know that you can make a change by planting trees and educating other’s then this is a simple task with amazing global impact. I believe it is also important to combine several underlying aspects to a single project. Having a project that is easy to promote to people of different walks of life makes it easier to implement.

Describe your childhood/growing years:
Although I come from a big family I was separated from my siblings and raised by my grandmother from age 6 to 12. After my parents divorced my father took my five older sisters back to Fiji and consequently my Mother who suffers from bipolar disease went through a rough time. My childhood was pleasant enough. I have fond memories growing up with my grandmother and visiting my mother, whom I love dearly. However, being one of the older cousins I spent a lot of time helping my grandmother to raise other grandchildren. Growing up together with my cousins and my family, I felt that my situation left me feeling somewhat out of place. I know that as a child I was shy and at time mischievous. I remember having difficulty at school in getting along with other classmates. I had one teacher, Mrs. Robinson, who really believed in me and with her help I went on to become a leader in my primary and intermediate school. At 12, I returned to live with my mom, it was a decision my grandmother let me make. For next few years though I was at times my mother’s caregiver and rock, due to her disorder. Despite of what my family have said about my mother in the past, a mother is still a mother, and to this day I love and defend her.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
1. How to look out for others.
2. The importance of elders and utilizing their knowledge while they are around to give it.
3. How to survive on my own but also the importance of asking help when you need it.
4. The biggest thing would have to be respect. Respect for yourself, others and everything around you.

What is your most memorable moment?
It would have to be my mum telling me she was proud of me for winning Miss Earth NZ 2012. It is very hard for my mother to express herself. Before that night I had only seen my mother cry once, when I was taken from her at six years old. For her to tell me she is proud and express her vulnerability is something rare and truly memorable to me.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose it?
My environmental advocacy is the prime ministers Christchurch Earthquake appeal. In 2011, Christchurch, a major city in the south island of New Zealand was struck by an earthquake. In a country like New Zealand, which is small in land mass and population size, it was hard when chaos struck strike home. I, like many other New Zealander, have family living in Christchurch. The devastation that occurred that day struck the entire country and I want to be able to support those, that to this day are still affected by what happened over a year ago. It seems though, that in recent times the destructive forces of nature seem to be a prevalent occurrence compared to the past. As a means to raise awareness and knowledge of what humans are doing to the planet, I am advocating the prime ministers Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

What tip can you share to promote sustainable energy for all?
All of us are guilty of leaving our chargers, iPods, laptops, ghds and other electrical gadgets plugged in during the day and overnight. Even when they are not turned on, they consume a lot of energy, it is best to unplug when not in use to save power.

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* See also Miss Earth 2012 Special Coverage