Our People
The Lighthouse Keepers
Lighthouse Rangatahi
This work would not be possible without the incredible compassion that young minds of Aotearoa bring for all elements of Te Taiao.
Young people and their perspectives are at the centre of our operations and guiding philosophy. The Climate Change Learning Programme prioritises open discussion, reflection on personal and collective wellbeing, and rangatahi-led action projects in schools following the term in which the programme is delivered.
Lighthouse Aotearoa also hosts a dedicated group of young people who regularly consult with local government and community organisations, and who participate together in immersive experiences. This group is open to all who demonstrate mana and commitment, and experienced rangatahi offer constructive mentorship for those starting out.
Will Stovall, PhD
Founder, Director
Dr. Will Stovall began facilitating the Climate Change Learning Programme in Te Tauihu a few years after moving to Whakatū Nelson, and was blown away by young peoples’ compassion for the natural world and acute awareness of the threats to future generations of life. He realised quickly that the demand for empowerment of environmentally conscious rangatahi wasn’t going anywhere, and established Lighthouse Aotearoa in 2025 to add another voice to a growing choir.
Will has spent his career working toward a more sustainable future, first as a marine conservation biologist, then as an environmental educator. His PhD research focused upon a region of the United States hotly contested between Indigenous and colonial interests, and he is deeply motivated by the lessons that Paha Sapa continues to teach.
More Facilitators - Watch this Space!
The demand is large and growing for climate education and youth socio-environmental action, and Lighthouse Aotearoa is currently seeking funding to contract additional facilitators. Once this funding is secured, we will select individuals with expertise in communication of social and environmental issues, and with acute understandings of young people’s wellbeing. We will continue to take child protection very seriously, conducting police vetting
of all potential staff and observing adult-to-child ratios well within Ministry of Social Development recommendations.
If you would like to financially support our ability to expand our team and services, you may express this preference in your donation.