AKA has 45 Enviroschools, part of the nationwide programme committed 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.

The Enviroschools kaupapa is about creating a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world through learning and taking action together.

Every kindergarten is unique, with its own ecology, history, culture and community – so Enviroschools looks different in every setting. The journey of connecting with the place and its people is designed and led by each kindergarten.

The learning journey has five guiding principles, Ngā Matapono, that run through the programme:

• Empowered students
• Sustainable communities
• Learning for sustainability
• Māori perspectives
• Respect for the diversity of people and culture

Kindergartens incorporate the guiding principles through four key areas, considering all aspects of sustainability when undertaking projects or enquiry:

Place – Wāhi

• Learning environments demonstrate how ecosystems work and provide tamariki with opportunities for experiencing their interconnection with nature.
• The whole kindergarten environment reflects the culture and heritage of its place and people. This strengthens children’s connection to the land and their community.

Programmes – Kaupapa Ako

• Sustainability is woven throughout the learning programme, projects and documentation at our kindergartens.
• Tamariki learn as they co-create a sustainable kindergarten and community. With support, children take action on real issues in the kindergarten and wider environment. Actions are not carried out in isolation, they are integrated with the learning.
• Teachers facilitate learning and enquiry. As in the concept of ako, learners are also teachers. Tamariki share their learning with new and younger children at the kindergarten, becoming mentors and leaders.

Practices – Tikanga

• Our kindergarten policies and systems support environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, such as green purchasing, waste minimisation, water conservation and wise use of energy.
• Practices are monitored and evaluated, to document progress being made towards sustainability.

People and Participation – Tangata

• There is a whole centre vision for sustainability and the teachers and management work together to develop policies and budgets to support it. Whānau and community are invited to participate in creating the vision.
• There is a sense of belonging and strong partnerships with tangata whenua. Kindergartens draw on the combined wisdom of their multi-cultural community and consider equity and diversity when making decisions.