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Grey Main Enviro Action Day

| By Laura Neale, Enviroschools West Coast Facilitator

At Grey Main School, students brought the core principles of Enviroschools to life through a day of hands-on, nature-based activities focused on sustainability, atua, local pūrākau, and environmental action.

Harvey Rubbo from the West Coast Regional Council undertaking water testing with students

 

One group tested water quality at the on-site stream, learning the importance of clean waterways—special thanks to Harvey Rubbo from the West Coast Regional Council for supporting this activity. On an unused strip of grass, students, with help from Papa Taiao Earth Care students from Grey High, planted native rākau to create a future habitat and food source for wildlife.

 

 

 

Students also revitalised the māra kai (vegetable garden), rediscovering the school’s potential for growing kai (food). A waste sorting game on the field taught teams to correctly categorise waste, reinforcing sustainable living practices.

 

Grey Main students cleaning up and resetting their vege garden space

He Papa Taiao students helping Grey Main students with planting a native tree belt next to their playground

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout the day, students performed plays based on pūrākau they had been learning, deepening their connection to the whenua and Te Ao Māori. They also collaborated on an art panel made from reused bottle tops, revealing a tūī perched on a branch, soon to be displayed at school.

Art panel made from reused bottle tops

The day perfectly reflected the Enviroschools Guiding Principles with critical thinking, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Positive feedback from both students and teachers highlighted the success of a truly inspiring day.