Waiuku College

Supercharging a solar powered hydroponics project

Waiuku College caught wind of the Mana Ora programme through Tina North, a science teacher who engages with the Year 12 and 13 environmental prefects. Through her connection to Sustainable Schools, Tina saw the opportunity to engage the prefects in the process of applying for funding. She worked closely with the team to write a Climate Action Fund application focused on their interest in renewable energy.

In the application form, students wrote about their climate concerns and desire to act.

 “The floods and storms we have seen this year have made many of us anxious about the future and we want to do something.” Waiuku environmental prefects 

They also outlined their interest in learning about solar technologies and the potential of integrating these with irrigation systems. 

“We would like guidance and advice on how to install and use solar energy to power the irrigation systems for our Trees for Survival and our Tunnel house. We would like to collect and use the rainwater from our department buildings’ roofs.” Waiuku environmental prefects 

The team was explicit about their need for expert guidance. “We know it can be done, but don’t know how. We need resources and guidance so we can learn how to accomplish this.”

Waiuku College received the funding they applied for, but ultimately the plan changed. With limited time and knowledge, it was challenging for Tina and the senior students to progress their plan in an extracurricular context. A more practical use of the funds was identified by Science staff and endorsed by the prefects. The money would be used to further invest in an innovative hydroponics project that was already underway. 

The project was led by Doug Johnson, who teaches horticulture within the college’s Primary Industries programme. With funding from the Curious Minds South Auckland participatory science platform, Doug was working with his Year 11 Primary Industry students to build a vertical hydroponic garden. 

The project was integrated with the curriculum, with students learning about water supply systems in a hands-on way for a unit standard in Primary Industries. There was also a sustainability angle – the Curious Minds team had helped connect Doug with STEM experts and they were exploring smart technologies within hydroponics.

“The extra funding allowed Doug’s class to further develop their propagation room and to buy extra equipment, including solar panels that power the LED lights on top of the growing tubes and a rainwater collection tank.” Tina North

In Terms 3 and 4, the vertical pods were trialled in an attempt to grow fancy lettuces to share with staff, students and the wider community. 

Sustainable Schools advisor Kylee Hanlon-Judd is delighted with the learning she has observed in the project. 

“There has been so much scientific learning about nutrients and pH. There have been some unexpected learnings as well, including how to deal with the algae they had in the pipes, and how to optimise the growing conditions.” Kylee Hanlon-Judd

Tina and Doug are also pleased with the wellbeing the project has generated through engaging students in practical activities. 

“If you can get students out of the classroom … you can see the improvement in their demeanour. They can see something done in half an hour.” Tina North 

With a boost from two funding streams, Waiuku is well-placed to continue their journey as innovators within their rural community. 

“The community wants energy security and food security, and this project explores both. It’s something that can be showcased and replicated by others.” Kylee Hanlon-Judd