For Enviroschools this means liaising with councils who play a crucial role in supporting the Enviroschools network across the country.  Over 80% of councils in New Zealand are regional partners of Enviroschools and their investment enables the work of Enviroschools Regional Coordinators and Facilitators.    We see some exciting opportunities through the many green recovery projects to involve our network of centres, schools and their communities.  We are also aware of added financial pressures on councils as many are facing reduced revenue and also seeking to minimise any rates increases.

At times like these relationships are key and we are heartened to hear some of our council partners calling Enviroschools an “essential service”.   To support our discussions with councils, Toimata has put together a supporting document outlining the programme and its role in creating a sustainable future.

We are also talking with Central Government and our Te Aho Tū Roa partners across the motu.  While we see challenging times ahead, we also see many opportunities for communities to be a shaping a different and sustainable future for themselves.