Greendale School.

In FY2025, the CPWL Environmental Education Grant provided $15,000 to support schools within the scheme boundary to deliver hands-on projects that build environmental awareness and strengthen understanding of sustainable water use.

Five schools took part in the first year of the programme. Their projects brought environmental concepts to life, from installing irrigation and water-saving systems to predator control, gardens, tunnel houses and chicken coops.

These projects are equipping students with hands-on experience and real-world skills, fostering a generation who understand kaitiakitanga and the connection between sustainable practices, biodiversity and resilient communities.

Growing Skills, Growing Futures.

As one example of the grant in action, Greendale School is using its CPWL Environmental Education Grant to connect tamariki with the land through hands-on food production. The grant is helping the school establish both a chicken coop and a tunnel house, turning unused corners of the school grounds into living classrooms.

The chicken coop and tunnel house provide invaluable real-world learning opportunities, allowing students to develop practical skills in horticulture, animal husbandry and sustainable living. These experiences nurture confidence, responsibility and a sense of accomplishment beyond the traditional classroom.

By cultivating crops from seed to harvest in the tunnel house and caring for the hens, students gain a direct appreciation of food systems and the principles of sustainability. Chickens will process school food waste, turning it into compost for the tunnel house — a simple, tangible demonstration of kaitiakitanga and guardianship in action.

Integrated across the curriculum, the project sparks scientific inquiry, applies mathematics and builds literacy skills through journalling and research. Looking ahead, the school plans to involve the wider community, sharing produce, hosting workshops and inspiring other local schools to consider similar activities.

By creating a small but thriving ecosystem within their school, Greendale students are developing the skills and mindset needed to care for the land and contribute to a resilient community. Their enthusiasm shows how environmental learning, when put into practice, can inspire the next generation to lead with curiosity and care.

Key outcomes.

• Hands-on horticulture and animal care integrated into the school curriculum.
• School food waste diverted to compost, supporting a circular system.
• Students gaining practical skills and confidence through real-world learning.
• Strengthened connection to whenua and principles of kaitiakitanga.
• Extended community impact through shared produce and workshops.