The development of Enviroschools was driven by a burning question . . .

“Could school be a place that empowers young people to design, plan, take action and lead the change – in their classrooms, in their schools, in their neighbourhoods, in their country?”

The passion and creativity of thousands of people turned this inquiry into a nationwide movement, with people of all ages working together to transform their places into healthier, peaceful, more sustainable communities.

Our aim:  to foster a generation of people who instinctively think and act sustainably. 

Sustainability has many different interpretations. To us it means living in a country where people work with positive energy to connect with each other, their cultural identity and their land, to create a healthier, peaceful, more equitable society.

• It means the regeneration of resilient, connected communities in which people care for each other and the environment.  
• It means valuing indigenous knowledge and celebrating diversity so that everyone thrives.
• We believe this can be achieved if we learn together in empowering and action oriented ways.

Enviroschools is a kaupapa *

The Enviroschools kaupapa is rooted in creating a healthy, peaceful and sustainable world through facilitating action-learning; where inter-generations of people work with and learn from nature. It weaves in Māori perspectives, combining traditional wisdoms with new understandings. Importantly, our kaupapa reminds us to be in connection: to love, care for and respect ourselves, each other and our planet.

* Kaupapa does not have a direct English translation but encompasses words such as foundations, principles or philosophy.

Enviroschools is a programme

The Enviroschools programme supports children and young people to plan, design and implement sustainability actions that are important to them and their communities.