Wanaka Preschool has reached an incredible milestone on their sustainability journey, reflecting at the Enviroschools’ Green-Gold stage!
Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitators have been working with Wanaka Preschool for more than a decade and are so stoked the dedicated early learning centre has achieved this significant stage.
George Stewart 4, Ahri Brunton 5 and Mikah Brunton 3
“What a fantastic achievement and something the entire preschool community should be proud of and certainly something we, here at Wastebusters are exceptionally proud of,” Wastebusters General Manager Tony Pfeiffer said.
“We are so pleased that Wastebusters funding of the Enviroschools programme in early learning centres is helping to achieve these outstanding results.”
Wanaka Preschool lead teacher Katrina Brewer said the Enviroschools model supports their vision of creating a healthy, peaceful and sustainable community.
“Connection with sustainable values at the early childhood age creates a strong foundation for a lifelong of learning and modelling respect for themselves, others and the environment,” she said.
Tony said that Wastebusters support of the Enviroschools programme in early learning centres amplifies the impact of Enviroschools in primary schools.
“By the time students reach primary school, Enviroschools is already part of their daily life, which means they are well-prepared to continue the role of guardians of their environment. Families and the wider community who connect with the Enviroschools kaupapa through early learning centres also bring waste reduction and environmental stewardship into the way they live,” he said.
Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster presents Green Gold certificate to centre manager Lo Stevenson
Wastebusters Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster said very few Enviroschools reflect at this stage.
“Wanaka Preschool shows great leadership in our district in their sustainability practice. Being a Green-Gold Enviroschool represents an enormous achievement and is recognition of the awesome mahi the tamariki, kaiako and whānau are undertaking in the field of sustainability.”
The celebration was held as part of the early learning centre’s 30 year anniversary gala in February.
Enviroschools is a nationwide programme supported by Toimata Foundation, founding partner Te Mauri Tau, and a large network of regional partners.
Early childhood centres and schools commit to a long-term sustainability journey, where tamariki connect with and explore the environment, then plan, design and take action in their local places in collaboration with their communities.
Wastebusters funds the delivery of Enviroschools to early learning centres in the district.
Queenstown Lakes District Council funds the delivery of Enviroschools in primary schools across the district. This is part of a wider waste education programme under the Solid Waste Services contract.