Lemonwood Grove School set an ambitious goal to create a school-wide focus on the environment for Term Two 2025. To spark inspiration and kick off their journey, the school wanted an immersive off-site experience at a local community garden. ReDiscover jumped at this opportunity and brought together a team of passionate environmental educators from across the region to deliver a rich, hands-on learning experience covering a wide range of sustainability topics.

Over the course of a day and a half, 190 enthusiastic students rotated through a series of hands-on sustainability workshops designed to deepen their understanding of environmental stewardship and kaitiakitanga.

Exploring Biodiversity with the Selwyn District Council

The Selwyn District Council’s Biodiversity Team brought the world of insects to life. Tamariki had the opportunity to examine real insect specimens under microscopes, sparking awe and curiosity. The team explained the vital roles insects play in pollination, decomposition, and maintaining ecological balance. Students also explored the concept of symbiosis—how our native insects and plants rely on each other to thrive. This session helped students see the unseen heroes of our ecosystems and understand why protecting biodiversity is essential for the future.

Stormwater Superheroes: Protecting Our Waterways

In an interactive session, the Stormwater Superheroes used their purpose-built trailer, interactive games, and demonstrations to explain how stormwater systems work and why they matter. Students also learnt how litter and pollutants from streets can travel through drains and end up in rivers and oceans, affecting aquatic life. A highlight was learning about the journey of the native longfin tuna eel, whose migration paths are disrupted by pollution and migration pathways. The session empowered students to become guardians of their local waterways by learning how that can make small, everyday changes.

Hands in the Soil: Gardening with ReNourish and Council Reserves

Led by ReNourish’s community garden Coordinator and the Selwyn District Council Reserves Officer, students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty—literally. They planted native shrubs and fruit trees, learning about the importance of native flora in supporting local ecosystems. The session also included painting colourful, informative signs for the school’s veggie patches, blending creativity with environmental action. This hands-on experience helped students connect with the land and understand the importance of growing food sustainably.

Composting with ReDiscover: Turning Waste into Resource

In the composting workshop, ReDiscover showed students how simple and powerful composting can be. Through hands on activities, tamariki learned how food scraps and garden waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost. They explored the science behind decomposition and the role of worms and microbes in the process. The session emphasized how composting reduces landfill waste and supports healthy soil—an essential part of any sustainable garden.

A Whole School Effort for a Greener Future

This collaborative event brought together local experts, passionate educators, and curious young minds. A massive thank you goes out to the teachers and students of Lemonwood Grove for their energy and commitment to becoming the kaitiaki of our future.