Thinking about the future of their place – whenua (land), wai (water) and kōhauhau (atmosphere) including the urban, rural and natural environments.

Towards the end of 2021, students from a number of local primary Enviroschools, shared their vision for the district, as part of Waipā District Council’s consultation for their new Long Term Plan. Staff from the District Council approached the Enviroschools Waikato facilitator team, asking for help on how to include a youth voice. Camilla and Alex, the two Waipā facilitators, offered to work alongside some of the local schools.

Students had bold and inclusive visions that included details on how to eliminate poverty, increase road safety, protect native biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Some of the ideas were fun-filled, like vehicles running on lemon juice and suction shoes, while others demonstrated keen understanding of the challenges our communities face, like a desire for the cost of living to not rise faster than wage increases, or holistic approaches to waterway management.

Students brainstormed their vision, then prepared speeches which were recorded and shared with Waipā District Councillors.