Eighteen students from Central and Lakes rubbed shoulders with environmental experts at an Enviroschools hui held in Cromwell on Wednesday.

The meeting, held at the Cromwell Rugby Clubrooms, featured four activities where students could get involved in science and put questions to experts about environmental conservation.

The activities were run by Central Otago District Council waste minimisation officer Abi Hawkins, Wai Wānaka’s education lead Jose Cranfield, Wastebusters marketing and communications coordinator Catrin Smith and Otago Regional Council catchment advisor (Roxburgh and Manuherekia rohe) Becky Clements. 

The schools who participated were Cromwell College (CC), Dunstan High School (DHS), Roxburgh Area School (RAS), Wakatipu High School and Mt Aspiring College (MAC). 

CC student Audrey Austin (14) examined samples for microplastics from a lake and a ski field at the Wai Wānaka activity station. 

CC student and prefect Chirlene Vorster (17) said she found the morning interesting.

“We’re getting ideas to put into action, things we can do that are achievable.”

Discussion about the circular economy and waste hierarchy were held with (from left) CODC waste minimisation officer Abi Hawkins, MAC teacher Jessica Skelton, MAC students Caleb, Lily (obscured) and Amy. 

Water clarity, macroinvertebrates and algae were explored with ORC’s catchment advisor Becky Clements. Pictured here Becky assisted Nate to look at a sample taken from the Manuherekia near Galloway.  

Wastebusters’ Catrin Smith talked about slow fashion, and how to plan a clothing swap with year seven and eight students from RAS.

ORC Enviroschools regional coordinator Chelsea Donnelly said she hoped the day would assist students to understand how peoples’ actions influence the environment, drawing linkages between waste, recycling, clothing and the districts’ waterways.

Enviroschools facilitator Lucy Francke said the day out was a chance for students to think about issues and get inspiration from experts.

“[Then I look forward] to supporting them back in school with any actions that they want to take.”

One success story from last year’s Enviroschools hui is DHS’s vegetable garden.

Nate, who is on the school sustainability committee said the strawberries, pumpkins and potatoes the garden produces were used in fundraising, in Matariki celebrations and in food technology classes. 

Enviroschools is a nationwide programme working in early childhood education centres and schools to create healthy, peaceful and sustainable communities.

PHOTOS: The Central App 

Read more: Enviroschools bring children from Central together