Students from the Upper Clutha will roll up their sleeves for a day of hands-on environmental learning when Enviroschools brings its sustainability hui to Luggate next month. 

The Wānaka Primary School hui is part of a series of six regional events being held across Otago in term four aimed at inspiring students to take practical action for the environment within their school communities.

Enviroschools regional coordinator lead Leisa de Klerk said the hui were a reminder of the power of young people to drive positive environmental change.

“The main focus of 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 said.

Covering ages from early childhood through to Year 10, the hui are designed to be local and accessible, connecting students with experts who understand their area’s specific environmental challenges.

Leisa said this approach ensures the learning is practical and meaningful.

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

Now in its 22nd year in Otago, the Enviroschools programme reaches 105 schools and more than 25,000 pupils. 

The initiative, supported by the Toimata Foundation and regional partners, encourages tamariki to connect with their environment, explore local issues, and take action through collaborative projects.

The Wānaka hui will take place at Luggate Hall on December 9.

PHOTO: Supplied