Ko Ranginui te tuanui
Ko Papatūānuku te papa
Ko Tānemahuta ngā poutoko
Ko Tāne Whakapiripiri
Kia tau te mauri
Kia mau te mauri
Tīhei mauriora e!
This mihi acknowledges that Ranginui
(the Sky Father) is the roof above us
and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) is
the floor below us. Tāne forms the
posts, thus creating the space that
brings us together. Bringing us into a
state of calm and holding us there. In
this way we invoke life, health and
wellbeing.
(Mihi from Ecological Building Theme Area)
At Te Māhurehure Cultural Marae, within the beautiful whare Taumata o Kupe, 16 Enviroschools facilitators gathered for three days of learning, connection, and shared purpose.
From the moment we arrived, the wairua of the space held us. Light filtered gently through the patterned glass, casting shapes and stories across the floor and walls. The designs spoke quietly of place, whakapapa, and journey, reminding us that we were held within something meaningful, something intentional. There was a calmness in the whare, a mauri tau that invited us to slow down, to arrive fully and to be present with one another.
Over the three days, facilitators stepped into the Enviroschools journey together. We explored the kaupapa – not just as a framework, but as a living, breathing way of working within our education settings. We unpacked resources, shared ideas, asked questions, and discovered how these tools can support meaningful, place-based learning. We deepened our understanding of the facilitator role – not as something fixed, but as something relational, responsive, and guided by the needs of people and place.
And woven through it all was whakawhanaungatanga.
It was heard in the laughter shared over kai.
Seen in the gentle nods of understanding across the room.
Felt in the openness, generosity, and trust that grew across the three days.
Connections formed naturally, between regions, experiences, and perspectives, strengthening the collective weaving of our Enviroschools network.
Across the three days, we lived and breathed the four key areas in action – place, practices, programmes, and people and participation.
Place grounded us – learning from the whenua, the stories carried within Taumata o Kupe, and the unique context of where we gathered.
Practices shaped how we worked together – through reflection, curiosity, and collaboration.
Programmes came alive as we explored the Enviroschools process and resources, seeing how they support meaningful learning journeys.
People and participation wove everything together – voices shared, relationships strengthened, and collective learning nurtured.
In Enviroschools…
Sometimes we lead.
Sometimes we listen.
Often, we learn.
These practices remind us that learning is relational…grounded in people, place, and purpose. Over these three days, we saw this come to life. New facilitators stepped forward with curiosity and openness, not only from the content, but from each other, building connections that will continue to support them in their roles across Aotearoa.
For our National Team, it was a privilege to walk alongside this group as they began their facilitator journey. Each person brought something unique, enriching the collective learning and strengthening our wider Enviroschools network. Nā mātou te whiwhi, it is we who feel privileged.
As we left Taumata o Kupe, the mauri of those three days continues to ripple outward…into the regions, into schools and centres, and into communities across Aotearoa.
He hononga i tīmata.
He haerenga e haere tonu ana.
Connections were formed.
And the journey continues.
Mauri ora!
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