Enviroschools

What Is Enviroschools

Enviroschools is a nationwide programme that supports tamariki and rangatahi to learn about, care for, and take action for the environment. In Nelson, Enviroschools is supported by Nelson City Council as part of its commitment to environmental education and long‑term care for te taiao.

The programme helps schools and kura embed sustainability into everyday learning — connecting students with their local environment, empowering them to take action, and fostering a lifelong sense of kaitiakitanga.

Why It Matters

Environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, declining water quality, and climate change require long‑term thinking and collective action. Enviroschools helps build this future by:

• Supporting young people to understand their local environment
• Encouraging hands‑on, place‑based learning
• Building confidence to take action at school, at home, and in the community
• Strengthening connections between schools, whānau, and local environmental projects

By fostering environmental awareness and leadership early, Enviroschools helps create communities that care for the environment now and into the future.

How It Works

Enviroschools uses a whole‑school approach, where sustainability is woven into learning, school culture, and decision‑making.

Key principles include:

• Empowered students — learners lead ideas and actions
• Learning for sustainability — across curriculum areas
• Bicultural foundations — honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori
• Community partnerships — learning with and from the wider community
• Action‑based learning — turning ideas into practical outcomes

Schools progress through the Enviroschools journey at their own pace, supported by facilitators and local networks.