Wanaka Preschool had plenty to celebrate at its gala on Saturday (February 27): the early learning centre’s 30 year anniversary, and its achievement of becoming a Green Gold Enviroschool.

The preschool is the longest established early childhood centre in Wanaka.

The celebration gala, which was held on Saturday morning at the preschool on Tenby Street, featured stalls, games, refreshments, plants, preserves, raffles, and a wide range of activities such as face painting and a bouncy castle. 

Tate builds his own wooden airplane.

Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitators have been working with Wanaka Preschool for more than a decade, and Wastebusters general manager Tony Pfeiffer said the Green-Gold status was “a fantastic achievement and something the entire preschool community should be proud of”.

Wanaka Preschool lead teacher Katrina Brewer said the Enviroschools model supports their vision of creating a healthy, peaceful and sustainable community. 

Wanaka Preschool shows leadership in its sustainability practice.

“Connection with sustainable values at the early childhood age creates a strong foundation for a lifelong of learning and modelling respect for themselves, others and the environment,” she said.

Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster said Wanaka Preschool shows great leadership in this district in its sustainability practice. 

Playdough was a popular attraction at the gala.

“Being a Green-Gold Enviroschool represents an enormous achievement and is recognition of the awesome mahi the tamariki, kaiako and whānau are undertaking in the field of sustainability,” he said.

Enviroschools is a nationwide programme supported by the Toimata Foundation, founding partner Te Mauri Tau, and a large network of regional partners. Early childhood centres and schools commit to long-term sustainability, where children connect with and explore the environment, then plan, design and take action in their local places in collaboration with their communities.

Home baking on offer at the gala.

Delivery of Enviroschools to early learning centres in the district is funded by Wastebusters, a not-for-profit community enterprise. Tony said Wastebusters’ support of the Enviroschools programme in early learning centres amplifies its impact in primary schools.

“By the time students reach primary school, Enviroschools is already part of their daily life, which means they are well-prepared to continue the role of guardians of their environment. 

“Families and the wider community who connect with the Enviroschools kaupapa through early learning centres also bring waste reduction and environmental stewardship into the way they live,” he said.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App