Sophie Weenink-Smith

The youth activist advocating for better change for the future of our nation and planet.

Sophie is an environmental and community activist, supporting many important issues and inspiring others to care for our planet. She’s volunteered hundreds of hours of time to support issues she believes are important, and is a core volunteer and fundraiser for Giving Aroha, supporting our homeless community.

 Sophie is on the Board of the Nelson Cancer Society and a youth representative for Kohine Maia, a Sport Tasman initiative to encourage young women to be active to help mental health. She is also a face for the NZ campaign #Genless, #RightSideNZ and for the Nelson Council campaign 'what do you stand for?' to encourage people to stand for Council.

Sophie is a 2021 GirlBoss award winner, Keep NZ Beautiful Young Legend award winner, 2021 Impact award winner in the Local category and a 2021 medallist for New Zealander of the year.