Hawke’s Bay students challenged to make change

Published: 5 March 2026

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is calling on Hawke’s Bay school students to get involved in the 2026 Climate Change Challenge, a student-led initiative focused on practical climate action in schools.

Now in its third year, the challenge is open to all Hawke’s Bay schools. Students are invited to design and deliver projects in one of four focus areas: sustainable transport, biodiversity in schools, water in our environment, and climate change awareness.

Across the four focus areas, students are encouraged to think outside the box – explore low carbon ways to get to school, create spaces that support biodiversity, find smarter ways to use and protect water, and consider how climate change affects their school and community.

Chair Sophie Siers says students have a strong voice when it comes to climate action.

"Young people bring energy and fresh thinking to climate solutions. The Climate Change Challenge puts students in the driver’s seat. It’s their ideas, their projects, and their chance to lead change in their own schools. Last year was a real success, and this year I’d love to see even more schools get involved. If any students have got an idea environmental idea, give the challenge a go and see what you can achieve for your school.”

Schools will have two school terms to develop and deliver their projects. All participating schools will present their work to a panel of judges, with the top three schools sharing a $2,000 prize pool to help grow their initiatives.

Applications for schools close Thursday 26 March.

For more information and to register, visit hbrc.govt.nz, search #education, or contact Regional Council Community Engagement Advisor Sally Chandler at sally.chandler@hbrc.govt.nz.

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