ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Waiora Workshops empower teachers

Learning about water quality has been a common theme for many of our schools this year.

Throughout term four our educators have supported teachers in upskilling their knowledge and confidence in running their own stream study, by attending one of four workshops held across the region.

Approx. 52 teachers came to these workshops to learn about water quality issues in NZ, our water quality monitoring programmes, and what activities they can do no matter the age of their students, including for early childhood children.

If you are a school/centre and want to know more about our education provision, visit our website here

Creek restoration mission at Weber School

Weber School is home to a small creek that runs right through the centre of the grounds. After many years of neglect and being crowded by invasive tree species, the school decided it was time for change.

Staff undertook training and passed this knowledge on to their students, who are now leading a journey to restore the creek and its surrounding environment. They are supported by the Puketoi to Pacific Catchment Collective, Upper Akitio Catchment Group, Waitahora Catchment Group, Horizons Regional Council, and local iwi.

During their initial investigations, students uncovered several issues affecting the creek’s health, including rubbish, stock remains, farm waste, and invasive plants. These pressures had caused the water to stagnate, creating an unsafe space for exploration and learning. Students also discovered a significant diesel spill contaminating the stream.

Since then, they have deepened their understanding of water quality through Enviroscapes and Waiora Stream Study sessions with a Horizons educator.

Each week, the school dedicates time to hands‑on restoration by removing pest plants, repairing fences, and have hosted a family native‑planting afternoon to replace invasive species with appropriate natives.

Looking ahead, students plan to monitor pest animals and learn from local iwi about planting tikanga and using the maramataka to guide their mahi. A SHMAK kit is also on its way, enabling them to track the creek’s health more regularly.

Ka pai, Weber School, your commitment to restoring your local waterway is inspiring.

ENVIROSCHOOLS

New Enviroschools and Additional Funding Available

A warm welcome to Taitoko Kindergarten and Ruahine Ashhurst Kindergarten who joined the Enviroschools Programme at the end of 2025 💚

Interested in the Enviroschools programme?

Two of our funding partners, Horowhenua District Council and Manawatū District Council, have funding available to bring more schools/centres into this kaupapa. If you are keen to learn more, get in touch here.

Tino pai 💚

Upcycling in Action at Brunswick School 

Enviroschool Brunswick School have been on their sustainability journey for a while, and are always looking for ways to empower their tamariki to build a sustainable future.

The student envirogroup had a cool idea to upcycle pallets into furniture to sell at their Agricultural day.

With the support of their facilitator and a retired community member, Ron, who makes pallet furniture, the students went about sourcing pallets from their community and looked at different designs.

Tamariki learnt about measure twice and cut once. They used handsaw, drills and impact drivers currently and safely to cut and attach the pallets.

They were stoked to make a long bench seat and a table in no time at all.

But the work didn't stop there, they also learnt how to use sewing machines to make cushions to go with the chairs.

Tino pai Brunswick School.

Lizard Garden comes to life at Ruahine Linton Kindergarten

After attending the regional Enviroschools ECE teacher hui, earlier in the year, pouako from Ruahine Linton Kindergarten left with a goodie bags filled with ideas and projects, one being how to create a Lizard Garden. 

This inspired the tamariki and there has been an ongoing interest to create one.

You can read all about their project here Enviroschools | The Linton Kindergarten Lizard Garden comes to life!

Green Week 2025

Green Week 2025 was a new initiative led by two Horowhenua College students.

This hugely successful week was participated by 1,700 students from 10 Enviroschools across the region. 

Check out the full story here Enviroschools | Green Week 2025 a huge success

IDEAS & RESOURCES