Devonport Primary School in Auckland has a small area at their school that they call ‘the forest’ and over the last two years they have established a delightful forest classroom – Akomanga Ngahere. The school promotes student engagement through outdoor education – learning in the forest, learning about the forest and learning from the forest and want to capitalise on their Akomanga Ngahere as a natural teaching resource.

Waikato based primary Matangi School is passionate about students exploring nature through their existing native area. Matangi students are aware of the important part the land plays when it comes to people’s wellbeing. They plan to create an open learning shelter area in their “Forest” environment where students can have lessons as well as a place to explore, enjoy creative play and have FUN. The school would also like to learn more about seed propagation and grow their own native plants to help restore the local Tamahere gully.

Nelson Intermediate School is passionate about creating a positive mauri ora (sense of wellbeing) for all students, providing programmes that reflect the values, aspirations and needs of their students. The school would like to establish two beehives so students can use this living system to support learning and connect with the natural environment while also developing science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) skills.

With a vision to see their students learning through social justice teachings including Stewardship of the land, Saint Joseph’s School is focussed on learning more about the importance of sustainability and how to better care for their natural environment. They would like to develop an outdoor area for spiritual nourishment, where students can also learn, nurture and care for our fragile ecosystem.

Nestled in the heart of Te Tairawhiti on the beautiful East Coast, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Mangatuna school would like to further develop their connections to the local taiao (environment). They have established ‘Whenua Wenerei’ – Landmarks Wednesday – a day the school dedicate to the environment. The school is eager to continue expanding their students’ knowledge and implement an environmental programme for the students to make the most of their natural environment and ensure that it is around for future generations to enjoy.