Schools

Taking action on climate change is something Kiwis of all ages can do. Schools are an ideal place for tamariki and rangatahi to learn how to have a positive effect on the world around them.

The Enviroschools programme empowers young people to design and lead sustainability projects in their schools and communities. Northland schools are encouraging kids to take action in many ways, including:

  • processing organic waste onsite through worm farms
  • planting trees and creating kai forests
  • using carbon footprint calculators
  • growing and planting in riparian areas
  • putting solar panels on classrooms
  • restoring wetlands
  • fencing, monitoring and restoring waterways.

After implementing a system to separate and deal with rubbish, recycling and organic waste, one school was even able to turn its incinerator into a fish smoker.

Find out more about helping young people to become kaitiaki, and teachers among their families and peers, through Enviroschools at: www.nrc.govt.nz/enviroschools

Oruaiti School, in the Far North, won the education award at NRC’s 2021 Environmental Awards. The school has empowered its students to make inspirational changes to the local environment, which has enriched the community too.

Nga Tupuranga o te Taitokerau – youth leaders in sustainability

Run for the first time in April 2021, Ngā Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau aims to develop Northland’s future leaders in sustainability.

The intensive, week-long programme, which was fully funded by scholarships, was held at Te Tii Marae and involved 14 secondary-school and tertiary students. It’s an annual programme, and a collaboration between Northland Regional Council (NRC), Untouched World Foundation and the Ministry of Youth Development.

Read about what happened during the pilot programme

Watch the 2021 Ngā Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau video