Enviroschools

^{What is Enviroschools?}

Enviroschools is a programme in New Zealand that supports schools and early learning centres to engage in sustainability. Students/tamariki are empowered to lead environmental projects in their school/centre, community, and place. The programme emphasises student participation, learning for sustainability, Te Ao Māori perspectives, and community partnerships.

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Bee Keeping with Tahi Bees

^{Term 1, 2026}

Our mini beekeepers are really enjoying taking part in the Bee Friends Programme. Lessons are led by experienced beekeepers from Tahi Bees. Through this programme, students get a hands-on opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a real beekeeper by caring for bees, collecting honey, and learning why bees play such an important role in our environment.

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Whitebait Connection

The Year 3 and 4 students took a quick trip to a local Awa/Stream located behind the Fonterra site in Maungaturoto.

Our tamariki did many investigations to find out the mauri (life force/health) of the stream, and the life within it. They completed a visual assessment and used nets, magnifying glasses, thermometers and water clarity tubes to collect data. We concluded that the health of the stream was ‘ok’. The students shared some ways they could help improve the mauri of the stream, such as planting native trees to reduce erosion and create more shade.

We would like to thank Greer from Whitebait Connection for organising this fantastic learning opportunity for us.

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Here is what some of the students had to say about this awesome experience…

"I really enjoyed looking at the Inanga/Whitebait" - Chloe

"I liked identifying the micro-invertebrates. We tested the water for clarity. It was more dirty than we thought." - Juliette

"We caught a short fin tuna/eel and redfin bully fish." - Barrett

"I enjoyed checking the water temperature. I touched the shortfin eel." - Benji L

"I enjoyed seeing the common bully fish. It wasn’t as big as I thought it would be." - Harper

"I enjoyed having a net to collect the macro invertebrates." - Laura

"We caught a Tuna/eel in the Hinaki/Fish net." - Hunter

Successful Stream Restoration Planting Day!

^{Term 3, Week 8, 2024}

This past week, students gathered for an exciting and productive day of planting as part of our ongoing stream restoration project. Working together, they planted over 200 native trees and shrubs, contributing significantly to the health of our local ecosystem.

The energy and enthusiasm from everyone was inspiring. Not only did students show great teamwork, but they also demonstrated a strong commitment to restoring and preserving our environment. The new plants will help stabilize the stream banks, improve water quality, and create a habitat for native wildlife.

A big thank you to Kaipara Moana Remediation, Kauri Park, Bunnings Mangawhai, and Enviroschools for their generous donations and support, which made this day a huge success. Thank you also to Mrs S, for planning this day and making sure it ran smoothly. Your contributions are helping create a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.

We’re excited to watch these native plants thrive and continue our journey toward a greener future!

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