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Environmental Education

Environmental education helps people understand the natural environment, the challenges it faces, and the actions we can take to care for it. By learning about te taiao — our land, water, coast, and wildlife — people of all ages can build knowledge, skills, and confidence to make positive choices for the environment.

Strong environmental education supports kaitiakitanga, strengthens community connection, and helps ensure our natural places are protected for future generations.

What We Mean by Environmental Education

Environmental education is about learning with the environment, not just about it. It includes:

  • Hands‑on learning outdoors
  • Understanding local ecosystems and species
  • Learning how everyday actions affect the environment
  • Supporting sustainable practices at home, school, and in the community
  • Building long‑term care for te taiao through knowledge and experience

In Nelson, environmental education is grounded in local places, local species, and community action.

Who Environmental Education Is For

Environmental education opportunities in Nelson are for everyone, including:

  • Schools and kura
  • Rangatahi and youth groups
  • Early childhood centres
  • Community groups and volunteers
  • Whānau and individuals
  • Landowners and residents

Whether you’re learning in a classroom, your backyard, a reserve, or alongside a stream, there are many ways to get involved.

What We're Doing

Nelson City Council supports environmental education across the region through a range of programmes, partnerships, and resources. This includes:

  • Supporting Enviroschools to grow environmental learning in schools
  • Providing education and training alongside restoration projects
  • Supporting community workshops on topics like planting, pest control, and water care
  • Encouraging citizen science, such as iNaturalist and bird surveys
  • Integrating learning into programmes like Nelson Nature, Healthy Streams, and Marine & Coastal restoration programmes
  • Working with iwi, DOC, community groups, and educators to deliver locally relevant learning

Environmental education is woven through many of Council’s environmental programmes.

What You Can do

You don’t need specialist knowledge to take part in environmental learning. You can:

  • Join a local restoration or volunteer group
  • Take part in citizen science projects
  • Attend a community workshop or planting day
  • Get involved with Enviroschools (for schools and kura)
  • Learn about local ecosystems through Council programmes
  • Support environmental learning at home and in your community

Resources & Useful Links

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