Secondary Schools Environmental Challenge

The Regional Council held the inaugural Hawke’s Bay Secondary Schools Environmental Challenge Presentations on Tuesday 20th September, where participating schools presented their challenge projects.

Regional Council Environmental Education Community Facilitator, Hinerangi Price says this is a culmination of work that began earlier in the year.

Students who presented were Tamar Aiken and Lauren Harkness from Sacred Heart College, Phoebe Driscoll and Arma-lee from Iona College, Rebecca Ellis and Sophie Tiedemann from Havelock North High School and Rose Bailey from Taikura Rudolf Steiner School. All students represented their school with pride, and it was evident the stride's, school enviro groups have made over the year – and all with such authentic voice, diverse approaches, humour, and passion.

Other secondary schools involved in the environment challenge throughout the year were, William Colenso College, Napier Girl’s High School, Hukarere Girls, Woodford House, Taradale High School and Hasting’s Girls High School who have a 2-year plan in place for their school environmental initiative and look forward to continuing their initiative and presenting next year.

“The challenge has prompted more sustainable conversations among students and staff, with more Hawke’s Bay secondary schools now thinking about what they can do to support sustainability. In its inaugural year, our hope was to build on this and encourage more schools to participate next year, it’s open to all secondary schools. Regional Council understands the value of environmental education and this challenge is another way to support this vital topic across our secondary school sector,” says Hinerangi.

The panel of judges included Napier Central School teacher Heidi-Ann Phillips, along with The National Aquarium of New Zealand Educator Karlie Lett who were impressed with the calibre of each school’s project and presentation.

1st place prize is $1000, 2nd and 3rd each receive $500, which will go towards their project. The three winning schools will be decided and notified on Friday 23rd September following deliberations.

Well done to all schools involved and good luck!

28 September 2022

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