Education wins big at the 2025 Environmental Awards, with schools and student-led initiatives being recognised for their efforts to protect te taiao. 

The younger generation is stepping up, showing how they’re learning through their schools’ kaupapa to be like true kaitiaki of the land. 

From biosecurity programmes to climate education, these rangatahi are not just participating—they’re leading the way.

The awards, held for the sixth time, recognise individuals, groups and organisations making a difference for Northland’s environment.

According to the judges competition was fierce across all award categories this year, thanks to the high calibre of applications.

Read about the winners:

Enviroschool Bay of Islands International Academy; Environmental action in education.

This entry demonstrated an outstanding holistic approach, involving all year levels and curriculum areas across the school and throughout its local community and hapū. 

The academy embraces the Enviroschools kaupapa and has woven te ao Māori and sustainability throughout its mahi. They also have an extensive trapping programme. 

It was impressive to note the impact on students, who have been empowered to take ownership of environmental change. 

The school has also ensured a multi-generational approach by enabling older students to teach younger students and emcompassing kaumatua as expert helpers.

Spokesperson  Lucy Miller says winning the award was a surprise but felt it was well-deserved.

"All the kids have been taught to act as kaitiaki of their land, the ocean that’s near them and to look after Purerua Peninsula."

Highly commended in the environmental action in education category were Whangārei Girls' High School, Hurupaki School and Te Kura O Hato Hohepa Te Kamura.

Earth Buddies; Youth Environmental Leader.

Earth Buddies is an inspiring youth-led education programme designed and delivered by 25 students from Whangārei Girls’ High School’s kaiarahi (prefect) team and Environmental Committee. 

The students have formed a partnership with fellow enviroschool, Whangārei Primary to provide bi-weekly environmental lessons to more than 150 students in Years 3 and 4. 

The lessons cover topics such as climate change, composting and pest management.  

Through these engaging sessions, the secondary students are not only helping to develop critical thinking in the tamariki, but are also strengthening their own environmental knowledge. 

This initiative goes beyond the classroom by encouraging families to adopt eco-friendly practices and inviting parents/caregivers to take part in activities. 

In helping to educate younger students, Earth Buddies is contributing to long-term conservation and climate mitigation efforts in Whangārei and is a programme that could be replicated in other communities. 

Group leader Stella Moreton says the group is very honoured and excited to be recognised.

Highly commended in this category were Roman Makara from Bay of Islands College and India Clarke from Springbank School.