Source: Auckland Council
Howick Local Board members recently embarked on an inspiring visit to four local Enviroschools, where they saw firsthand the innovative environmental initiatives being embraced by students and staff.
Enviroschools is a programme that supports children and young people to plan, design and implement sustainability actions.
Participating schools range from early childhood through to secondary school and beyond.
Enviroschools are a key part of the board’s Tō Tātou Taiao/Our Environmental [5.92MB] in its local board plan, with $200,000 in funding supporting the effort. This works alongside other Pest Free Howick initiatives including the annual Pest Free competition, native tree projects for birds, iwi-led restoration of Te Naupata/Musick Point, and Garden To Table.
Enviroschool tour
Sustainable Schools Advisor Cate Jessep shares that the purpose of these visits is to highlight the significant outcomes of Howick Local Board’s long-term support for Enviroschools in the area. These visits allow the Board to see firsthand the impact of their investment in helping teachers and principals engage students in real, sustainable learning.
On Friday 28 March 28, Howick Local Board members, along with new Enviroschools principals and key teachers, visited four local Howick Enviroschools, including Pakuranga Baptist Enviro-Kindergarten, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Howick, Mission Heights Junior College, and Mission Heights Primary in Flatbush.
Howick Local Board chair Damian Light says, “Empowering our community to take environmental action is a key objective of our Local Board Plan. And our tamariki and rangatahi are critical to the success of this. It’s been wonderful to see firsthand the amazing work that is happening in our local kura.”
Everyday activities that make an Enviroschool thrive
Pakuranga Baptist Enviro-Kindergarten is buzzing with exciting activities. From Outdoor Explorers walks to a bee water station, their garden is thriving. The kids engage in 3D mapping, recently explored Ohuiārangi Pigeon Mountain, and participate in local plantings. What’s more, they have regular conversations about caring for Papatūānuku, with composting being a key topic. It’s a fantastic, hands-on approach to environmental learning.
“Enviroschools in Howick have made a significant impact, with over 1,000 students in the Pest Free Howick program, 40 schools reducing waste by up to 74%, and initiatives like the Moth Plant competition, Garden to Table, and carbon footprint programs. Four new schools have joined this year, bringing the total to 33 out of 44 schools in Howick. These efforts are creating a generation of leaders in sustainability, with many students advancing to leadership roles in sustainable careers. This is what we aim to showcase through these visits,” Cate adds.
Ka mihi ki a Ranginui, ki a Papatūānuku, ka mihi ki te ngao o te wheiao I About Enviroschools
Enviroschools is a nationwide programme supported by Toimata Foundation and a large network of regional partners. Early childhood centres and schools commit to a long-term sustainability journey, where tamariki/students connect with and explore the environment, then plan, design and act in their local places in collaboration with their communities.
There are 1,629 enviroschools nationwide of which 343 are in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Integrating Enviroschools into school and centre life offers many benefits, including:
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Environmental: Promotes healthy spaces, biodiversity, and water quality
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Economic: Fosters youth entrepreneurship and reduces waste
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Educational: Turns schools into learning hubs for sustainability
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Social and Cultural: Reduces litter and vandalism, encouraging community involvement.
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