Students shine a light on Enviroschools mahi at Ōtāhuhu Intermediate.

On a warm, sunny afternoon in early March, a group of five Year 7 and 8 students from Ōtāhuhu Intermediate’s Enviroschool welcomed 21 visitors from nine local schools, early childhood centres, and the Pest Free South Auckland community group to their cluster event.

Visitors were guided in small groups around the school by students, who enthusiastically shared their learning in detail.

In garden beds made possible by Oke charitable trust, basil, tomatoes and corn thrived alongside sunflowers and lavender. Host students shared the results of previous harvests and plans for future crops.

The visitor group was tested on their plant ID skills at the Trees For Survival growing unit, then checked out a newly developed compost system used by the property managers to process the school’s green waste, kumara beds, and a water tank for the kai gardens, funded through the Mana Ora Youth Resilience fund.

The tour concluded with a focus on a future project, supported by Māngere Ōtāhuhu local board. Students are in the research phase of creating a cultural garden to grow foods from across the Pacific and the world. Lead Teacher Rachel Oliver says connecting to te Taiao through living landscapes, and building healthy soil for healthy kai and healthy people has grown practical skills and personal confidence in these inspiring student leaders and environmental champions.

Keep an eye on your inbox for information from your Sustainable Schools Advisor about cluster events in your area.