Pukehou School
“Pukehou School is a small rural school with 97 pupils ranging in age from 5 through to 13 years situated in Central Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s North Island. They are proud of all their achievements, particularly in Education for Sustainability (Environmental Education). In 2003, through student leadership, Pukehou School won the Hawke’s Bay Environment Award. They have gone from strength to strength ever since.
Pukehou School is a Green/Gold Enviroschool, one of only five schools in New Zealand to achieve this honour. This status was reaffirmed in November 2009. They are involved in some fantastic environmental projects and it’s very clear that Pukehou students are excited about learning, feel proud of their school, care about each other and creating a great environment for education. The Enviroschools Awards scheme is available to all schools and involves the whole school community along with local councils, community organisations and businesses.
Pekapeka Swamp Development Programme
What Will We See in the Future?
* Native plants are already regenerating amongst the dead standing willows. This gives us confidence that the swamp to will soon recover with carex, raupo and other New Zealand native trees and plants becoming more extensive.
* Areas of the swamp will be gradually planted with suitable native wetland species. This will be in co-operation with the Forest and Bird volunteers, schools and recreational shooters.
* A raised water level in the Central and Southern area of the swamp will result from the construction of a sill. This will prevent the wetland drying out in all but the driest years.
* Interpretation sites will be developed to inform the public and increase their understanding and enjoyment of the swamp.
All this work will create a wetland which will be a haven for wildlife. It will be an interesting entrance to the Heretaunga Plains and an example of how the community can work together to halt wetland degradation and enhance the environment.
The Pukehou Eco Warriors is comprised of: Thomas, Lenny Phillips, Anneke, Tepaea, Jayden Falcon, Jayden Freeman, James Bailey, Jonty Ebbet-Watt and Imke Kitchin. They have taken up the challenge to build an ecohut. They have to plan, design and build their ecohut ready for judging in late March 2010.
They have to consider:
* How their ecohut can support nature to grow?
* How their ecohut can convert and distribute natural energy?
* How their ecohut can nourish the soil and other creatures?
* How their ecohut can provide natural warmth inside for harsh winters?
* How their ecohut can express the culture of their local community?”
A short 20 minute drive from my hometown of Waipukurau I’ve always admired the absolute spunk of this little School, they’re a great credit to themselves, their teachers and their community and get my POL (Penneylaneonline) position plaudits for the fantastic job they do. Well done Pukehou School!
