I am incredibly proud of the greening journey our students have embarked on during this integrated learning class. Through their hard work and dedication, they have contributed meaningfully to our kura, and a new vision has emerged—the Tia Greening Squad. This initiative, inspired by the values of manaakitanga (caring and generosity), kaitiakitanga (guardianship and sustainability), and wero (challenge and striving for excellence), reflects the students’ commitment to our school and community. Special thanks to Rocky Henare for his winning logo design and Rita Itieli Pereira for helping supervise the students. 

Over the 8-week period, students’ learning was enriched through visits from Rachel Thompson, Kids Greening Taupō Coordinator, who introduced them to the biodiversity crisis in New Zealand and helped them identify native and endemic plants around our kura. They also visited the Time Bank Community Gardens, where they met visionary community leaders Lyn and Blair, who taught the importance of sustainable practices.

The work that follows documents their learning journey, insights, and future greening visions for our kura. The Tia Greening Squad will continue during lunchtime sessions and will be open to all year groups interested in contributing to greening initiatives within our kura and the wider community. If you’re keen to get involved, please contact Matua Mason at mason.elliott@taupocollege.ac.nz.