Starting the Journey
When Hauraki Plains College (HPC) joined the Enviroschools programme in mid-2024, a group of motivated Year 13 students approached their facilitator with a clear vision: they wanted to improve the way their school managed waste. Frustrated by the lack of separation options and a growing amount of rubbish around the school grounds, they were ready to take action—but didn’t know where to start.
After an initial meeting with the students and the Principal, they were introduced to the Enviroschools Zero Waste Theme Area and inspired by case studies from other schools. This sparked momentum, optimism, and a belief that meaningful change was possible.
Waste Audit Sparks Action
The first step was to conduct a school-wide waste audit. With support from the caretaker and local waste education expert Lucci from the Seagull Centre, the audit was scheduled during break time in a high-visibility area to engage passersby.
The audit uncovered alarming results: a large amount of recyclable and compostable material was being sent to landfill, and food waste was contaminating other bins. This hands-on activity created a shared sense of purpose and prompted important conversations about where waste actually goes. Students shared about the need to change the linear production, consumption, throw-away system to a circular way of thinking. It was clear they wanted to create change in the their community.
Students carried out a school-wide waste audit
Student Leadership and Ownership
Motivated by the audit findings, the students formed an Enviro Council and began meeting weekly, often without a teacher, but supported by the Enviroschools facilitator. They quickly turned ideas into action and:
- Organised a “green” mufti day, raising $700 for recycling bins
- Ran a school-wide survey through Google Classroom
- Shared educational videos with teachers
- Presented audit results and next steps at a school assembly
The students identified food waste as the most urgent problem to solve. They began researching composting solutions and were introduced to hot composting systems used successfully in other schools. Not only could this reduce food waste, but it also offered cross-curricular opportunities in horticulture, carpentry, and science.
“The Enviroschools Facilitator worked really hard to support a large secondary school to connect to the kaupapa through an area of student interest – this has developed engagement and momentum in the school as soon as they joined the kaupapa.” Michelle Daly, Enviroschools Regional Coordinator
Building the Case and Securing Support
With growing excitement, the students presented their findings and proposal to the Principal and caretaker. At the same time, a funding round from the Waikato Regional Council was opening. The students, with guidance from their facilitator, worked through the grant application themselves — developing confidence and ownership over the process. Their application was successful.
In collaboration with the Hauraki District Council Waste Manager, the school received kerbside organic bins to place around campus. These familiar, user-friendly bins made food waste collection easier and helped normalise sustainable behaviours.
Installing the Hot Composting System
With funding secured and bins in place, the school was ready to install their new hot composting system — just in time for the Year 13 leaders to leave a legacy before graduating.
Installation was a collaborative event involving students, teachers, and Carbon Cycle, who provided training on using and maintaining the system. The school’s new caretaker, Borris, and newly appointed sustainability teacher, Yotam Kay, worked behind the scenes to set up the logistics for daily collection and compost maintenance.
Installing the Hot Composting system
Yotam’s role as a sustainability and horticulture teacher will ensure continuity and integration into the school’s curriculum, especially through a new sustainability programme starting in the junior school.
Sharing Success and Sustaining the Vision
Green bins for collecting food waste have been placed next to rubbish bins around the school
After installation, the students created an engaging video to teach others how to use the bins correctly. Their message landed well — so far, the bins have only been used for food scraps.
At the beginning of 2025, a new initiative was launched: the Sustainability Learning Lab. Held every Friday afternoon, it provides a platform for students to lead their own environmental projects and collaborate across year levels.
Inspired by the hot composting project, students are now:
- Planning a clothing swap to raise awareness about fast fashion
- Designing educational signage for the organic waste bins
- Organising sustainability-themed movie days
- Learning how to make origami paper bins from a Japanese international student
A Lasting Legacy
Thanks to student initiative, the school now has a fully functioning hot composting system, a dedicated sustainability teacher, and a growing culture of student-led environmental action. Plans are underway for the Building and Construction class to build a second compost bin and partner with local cafés to support nearby community gardens.
This case study illustrates the power of student leadership when young people are trusted, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change. The journey at Hauraki Plains College began with a simple observation about waste — but led to a school-wide shift toward sustainability, connection, and student ownership.
Waste audit completed, these HPC students are motivated to take action and make change in their school community
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