Lara Teodorescu

Hi everyone! My name is Lara and I am currently a year 12 student at Macleans College in Auckland. I’ve lived my whole life in New Zealand no more than 5 minutes from a beach so, as you can imagine, I feel at home when I’m on the water. Sailing has become a big part of my life these past couple of years - and learning the ropes alongside my family and friends helped me realise the importance of our oceans, and that action needs to be taken to protect them.

These past couple of years, I’ve made it my goal to ensure others in the future can enjoy our oceans as I have. I've become the co-president of my school’s Kaitiaki Enviro club, a volunteer marine mammal medic for Project Jonah, a BLAKE Inspire for Sailors Delegate, and the student coordinator for the Friends of the McLeay Reserve group.

I’ve also completed my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards and am now working towards Gold - which involved me embarking on the Spirit of Adventure voyage #833 earlier this year and representing New Zealand in the Duke of Edinburgh's 'A Global Celebration' last year.

On the other side of things, I am currently aiming to study architecture at university as my passion for the environment has evolved into an interest in sustainable and climate-conscious design. My dream for the future is to help create a world where sustainability and renewable resources are the norms - and to one day own a practice of my own.

As Jane Goodall said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”.

I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the Pinnacle Program family - and can’t wait to embark on this journey with you all.