Towards the end of July 2026, a special gathering was held at Meadowbank School to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible contribution of Nicky Elmore as she moves into retirement after more than two decades of inspiring sustainability mahi.
It was a fitting place for this farewell event. Meadowbank School is where Nicky’s sustainability journey began, when she was first employed to support sustainability action within the school community. Her passion, creativity and ability to inspire young people soon saw her become part of the early development of the Enviroschools programme, joining Auckland Council and becoming one of the first cohort of facilitators who helped bring this kaupapa to life.
Meadowbank School put together a large board to acknwledge and celebrate the contributions Nicky has made to the school over many years
Nicky attended one of the early national Enviroschools hui in 2006
Back in the early 2000s, Enviroschools was a new and evolving idea. Facilitators, schools and the national team were learning, experimenting and imagining together what was possible. Nicky was there from those early days, attending the second facilitator training workshop in 2003 and became one of the people who helped shape the heart and practice of Enviroschools.
More than two decades later, the impact of Nicky’s mahi can be seen throughout the Enviroschools network and beyond. Her ability to nurture relationships, spark ideas and support others has influenced thousands of students, hundreds of schools and generations of educators. She has been a facilitator, creative contributor, trusted colleague and friend to many across Aotearoa.
Nicky supported Waiheke High School students with their reflection process in 2022.
The recent celebration event brought together a beautiful collection of people connected through Nicky’s journey – former and current colleagues, members of Toimata Foundation and the Enviroschools national team, the former principal of Meadowbank School, and students who were inspired by Nicky’s mahi and have since gone on to contribute to the sustainability space themselves.
Through heartfelt speeches, a special slideshow, waiata and delicious kai shared, the evening reflected the depth of appreciation for all that Nicky has given. A recurring theme was the extraordinary difference she has made to so many people, often quietly and with great humility, perhaps without fully realising the scale of her influence!
Sustainable Schools Team Manager, Bridget Glasgow, reflecting on Nicky’s amazing journey
Many colleagues and friends shared their memories of working with Nicky
As Nicky begins her next adventure with her whānau, she leaves behind an incredible legacy. She carries with her the Enviroschools Kaupapa, the many friendships she has built, and the memories created along the way. The seeds she has planted will continue to grow through the people and places she has inspired.
