Creating Change

The holistic, long-term Enviroschools journey creates fertile ground for a range of learning and action.

When tamariki/ students connect with their place and its people, and then plan, design and take action, they are creating change.

Through this empowering experience, they will become life-long change-makers.  The collective exploration is based in the concept of ako, where all participants are simultaneously learners and teachers, and everybody learns from each other.  It is a process of co-creation between people and all of the elements and energies around us. Caring for our place and the whole planet becomes a living curriculum where skills and competencies are gained through experience and mahi within meaningful community settings.

In the following stories you can see how Enviroschools participants are learning with their heads, hands and hearts – connecting with nature, exploring indigenous wisdoms, forming relationships with tangata whenua, collaborating with people in their diverse communities, and finding out about their own qualities and passions.  Learning and action in Enviroschools does not just have environmental outcomes but social, cultural and economic benefits too.

Empowered Learners Connect Through Shared Ōwhiro Awa

In 2025, kura, ākonga and kaiako in Wellington City have been able to connect with their immediate local environment, thanks to a series of nature connection events. On Wellington’s south coast, te awa o Ōwhiro is acknowledged in pepeha of both Berhampore and Ōwhiro Bay...

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Kidz Corner reflection strengthens community connections

Tamariki-led learning is at the core of Kidz Corner Mirimar's day, and this became one of their stories during the sharing celebration for their Holistic Reflection in Term 1. The reflection strengthened connections to the Mirimar Community Prison Garden, WCC, the community centre and other...

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The magic on our doorstep

As part of the 2025 City Nature Challenge, Enviroschools hosted an event in Central Park  to help local communities realise they can experience the magic of te taiao on their doorstep. This is the second year Enviroschools have hosted a night time event at Central...

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Maeroa Intermediate Takes Maths Outdoors for a Real-World Challenge

When Maeroa Intermediate School received funding from the Waikato Regional Council for their gully restoration project, it wasn't just a chance to upgrade their native plant nursery—it was an opportunity to bring maths to life in a real-world context.

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Grey Main Enviro Action Day

At Grey Main School on the West Coast, 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. Positive feedback from both students and teachers highlighted the success of a...

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