Enviroschools Regional Coordinator Lead, Leisa de Klerk, says the hui are important reminders of the impact young people can make when caring for and taking action for the climate and environment.

“The main focus on these student hui is inspiring actions they can achieve within their school communities with most of these hui having a focus on waste minimisation – a focus that is also important to local government,” she says.

Mrs de Klerk says media are welcome to attend any of the hui, and they should contact her directly to confirm start times and when student activity periods are scheduled.

Covering ages from early childhood through to year 10, these hui are delivered to a wide range of schools within their own communities.

Mrs de Klerk says accessibility to environmental and sustainability education is a priority for Enviroschools, which is why it holds hui locally, with local experts who know their areas best.

“With education for sustainability experiencing changes throughout the curriculum for schools, it’s more important than ever that students get to experience community environmental actions, literally getting their hands in the dirt to get that hands on experience that enriches what happens in the classroom,” she says.

After more than 22 years, Enviroschools programmes across Otago now reaches 105 schools incorporating more than 25,000 pupils, in year-round programmes. The latest schools to join Enviroschools in Otago are John McGlashan College and four kindergartens in Waitaki, showcasing a wide range of support across all age groups.

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 take action in their local places in collaboration with their communities.

Hui programme – 30 Oct – 9 Dec

Thursday, 30th October - Queenstown Primary Hui Year 4-6

9:30AM – 2:30PM

Venue Queenstown Primary School, 20 Robins Road, Queenstown

Friday, 31st October - Waitaki Primary Hui Year 4-6

9:30AM – 2:30PM

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, Oamaru

Monday, 10th November - Clutha Primary Hui Year 7-10

9:30AM – 2:30PM

Venue Sinclair Wetlands Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau, 854 Berwick Road, Berwick Forest

Friday, 28th November - Dunedin Primary Hui Year 7-10

9:30AM – 2:30PM

Southern Youth Development, 45 Māori Road, Belleknowes

Monday, 1st December - Central Otago Primary Hui Year 4-6

9:30AM – 2:30PM

Alexandra Primary School, Ventry Street, Alexandra

Tuesday, 9th December - Wānaka Primary Hui Year 1-6

9:30AM – 2:30PM

Venue Luggate Hall