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A young environmental warrior with deep roots in the Matakana area is preparing to take his passion for conservation to new heights – literally.
Keanu Isaksson, a Swedish-New Zealander who grew up on a farm at the base of Mt Tamahunga, will travel to Nepal soon to trek through the Khumbu Valley to Everest Base Camp. There, he will join efforts to clean up one of the world’s most natural environments, working alongside the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee.
Carrying more than 15 kilograms of rubbish on his back at a time, Keanu will help remove waste left behind by tourism in the remote Himalayan region, where limited disposal infrastructure has led to growing environmental concerns.
“Waste builds up fast in the mountains,” Keanu said. “This is a chance to make a real difference in a place that needs it.”
Keanu’s commitment to conservation has been shaped by a childhood spent exploring the bush on Mt Tamahunga. From a young age, he worked traplines on the mountain with his father – so frequently that one route is known among local trappers as the ‘Keanu Line’.
Equally influential has been his neighbour Gordie Murman, a respected figure in conservation and Department of Conservation (DOC) work. Keanu has long admired Murman, who has voiced concern over the lack of young people stepping into environmental roles.
“Gordie’s always talked about the need for people to carry the work forward,” Keanu said. “I want to be part of that next generation.”
Keanu’s dedication has already been recognised. During his time at Hobsonville Point Secondary School – where he transferred after attending Mahurangi College – he was awarded ‘Most Adventurous Student’ several years in a row. Earlier, he attended Matakana Primary School.
One of the defining moments of his young life came in 2019, when he was selected as part of a small group of students to attend a symposium in Auckland featuring renowned primatologist Dr Jane Goodall – one of his lifelong idols.
“That experience really reinforced what I wanted to do,” he said.
Alongside his work in Nepal, Keanu is also fundraising for Jungle Keepers, an organisation dedicated to protecting the Amazon rainforest from illegal logging and mining. All donations from his campaign will go directly to the organisation.
“By supporting this journey, people are helping clean the Himalayas and protect the Amazon,” he said.
“One trip, two ecosystems, real impact.”
As Keanu prepares for the physically demanding challenge ahead, he remains focused on a simple goal: to give back to the natural world that shaped him.
To support Keanau, go to: https://www.junglekeepers.org/fundraisers/keanu-isaksson
