Auckland Council’s newly released Sustainability Initiatives report 2024–25 reveals that over 80,000 residents took part in sustainability programmes this year, a promising sign of growing community commitment to a thriving low-carbon future.

The report showcases a surge in grassroots action, youth leadership, and local innovation in climate-related projects.

Key achievements:

• 63% of Auckland schools engaged in sustainability activities
• Over 80,000 trees planted by volunteers across the region · 6,000+ Aucklanders received tailored home energy advice
• $1.4 million invested in local board climate projects
• An estimated 4,800 tonnes of CO₂e emissions reduced (that’s like taking 3000 cars off the road for a year).

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of Policy, Planning and Development Committee said it was encouraging to see such significant and widespread action being taken throughout Tamaki Makaurau.

“This year’s results show a clear trend - more Aucklanders are stepping up, year after year.”

“When all the stats are put together in an annual report, it’s impressive. It shows just how much people care about their environment and protecting it. And it’s a powerful reminder that collective action works, and that our communities are ready to lead the way.”

A standout achievement was the focus on climate resilience education, with nearly 18,000 students and adults participating in hands-on learning at council experience centres. Grants supported 15 student-led projects focused on flood resilience.

“Young people have the ideas and energy to help shape a more resilient future, and our grants enable them to lead projects that build climate resilience in their schools and communities”, says Hills.

Like Swanson and Mangere Bridge Schools whose grants are supporting projects to regenerate soil and soil health and boost food resilience through actions such as establishing worm farms and planting trees and gardens. Like Favona School where students are planting trees and learning how to care for them, and the importance of biodiversity.

According to their teachers, the students have been very enthusiastic, and they were impressed at how seriously their students took the learning, while having fun learning about soil using “poo sticks” and soil testing.

At Te Hononga ā Iwi in Rosedale, Year 5 and 6 students from Westminster Christian School have restored streams, sown cover crops, created seed bombs, built composters, tested water and soil, and built a community food garden.

Auckland Council’s five experience centres offer over 40 programmes that provide schools with hands-on activities for all ages. Several of the programmes are being adapted so they suit different age ranges, including Spongy Cities (now available for high schools) and Wai Care stream health testing (for junior and high schools). For details and booking visit 'Learning Through Experience' school programmes section of the main Auckland Council website. 

These initiatives reflect council’s strategic priorities, with a strong emphasis on:

• supporting grassroots climate action
• building Māori capacity and leadership
• empowering rangatahi (young people) to lead change
• strengthening resilience across diverse communities.

Councillor Hills urges residents to discover different ways to get involved with their local community.

“We’d like to encourage all Aucklanders to get involved and support their local community and be part of collective action. Whether it’s planting trees, supporting local schools, sharing energy-saving tips or applying for community grants. Every action, big or small helps build a stronger, more connected future for us all.”

The full report is also available to read for more information.