Purpose
In 2023, Orini Combined School were successful in their application to the Waikato Environmental Education Fund, saying:
We have adopted a school-wide environmental focus since we were granted the funding. This money allowed us the opportunity to not only focus on our younger children but for the teacher leading this initiative to work alongside all of our tamariki aged five years old through to 13.
The bulk of the funding was used on resources and equipment to allow us to engage with and learn more about our local environment with intent to conserve, restore and protect it as we head into the future. These resources included water testing kits, gardening tools, watering equipment, and a large number of environmentally focused books to support our growing knowledge.
We have completely planted out our available gardening spaces and take joy in using the produce from within these to support tamariki and whānau within our community. We are beginning to look into the collection and planting of native tree seeds so that we can give these back to Pukemokemoke and other local reserves/farms as a way of keeping the funding going full circle.
2024
An update from Orini Combined School in February 2024:
This term sees the introduction of a school-wide environmental education programme run by a teacher who spends one morning a week in each classroom. Part of this programme will see the learning about and visits to Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve as a local environmental treasure.
We hope to work more closely with Pukemokemoke Trust as we develop our environmental education programme at Orini Combined School and look forward to continued support and connection with you as we seek to engage in social action in support of our local environment.
Thank you again for this much needed and appreciated funding.
