Enviroschools awards celebrate environmental learning

Sixteen Waikato schools have achieved Enviroschools awards this year, with Cambridge’s Te Miro School becoming only the seventh school in New Zealand to reach the prestigious Green-Gold award.

The Enviroschools programme helps students integrate environmental education into their school life.   Students begin by identifying issues in their school, exploring solutions and actively implementing changes.

“Enviroschools is a framework for education, not simply a project that is 'done' and then left for some other topic,” Environment Waikato regional Enviroschools coordinator Dean King said.
 
“We want the students to realise they can make a difference as part of a community and foster the passion and enthusiasm to make environmental learning and action a way of life.”
 
Te Miro School was the only Waikato school to achieve the top Green-Gold award this year, while Te Awamutu College, Hillcrest Normal School and Woodstock School attained silver awards.
 
Leamington, Wharepapa South, Tatuanui, Matamata Primary, St Josephs (Morrinsville), St Francis (Thames) , Tokoroa North, Marotiri, Broadlands, Melville Intermediate, Rhode St and St Peter Chanel schools gained bronze awards.
 
Schools apply for awards based on criteria set by the national Enviroschools Foundation.  

“The purpose of the Enviroschools awards is to recognise and celebrate the achievements of schools over time as they develop as an Enviroschool,” Mr King said.

“By the time a school reaches Green-Gold status the Enviroschools programme is an integral part of the curriculum and the students and staff are tackling a broad range of environmental issues.
 
“It’s a huge achievement and we congratulate Te Miro School and all the Waikato schools who gained awards this year.”
 
Mr King said the Enviroschools  programme had rocketed in popularity over the past few years, with more than 100 Waikato schools now involved, compared to 20 four years ago.
 
The programme is coordinated in this region by Environment Waikato and supported by Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council, Matamata-Piako District Council, Hauraki District Council, Taupo District Council and the University of Waikato.
 
If you would like to attend one of the award ceremonies below, please check the information with your local school.

Te Miro School’s Green-Gold award will be presented during a special ceremony next year.