In May of this year, Northland Kindergartens Association (NKA) introduced the Enviroschools Education Innovation Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to cultivate team knowledge and expertise that directly enhances sustainable practices within kindergarten programs. The challenge was clear: think big!

Judy Crooks, our Enviroschools Facilitator (Early Childhood) assisted with the judging process.

“There were five excellent applicants for the scholarship, all with their own unique and creative ideas for sustainability education. It was a tough job but, I was delighted I got to play a small part and offer my evaluation.” Judy said.

The successful recipients of the scholarship have now been decided. But first, a nod to the additional four teams who submitted applications—they too will receive financial support to bring their creative aspirations to life.

• Tikipunga kindergarten for their value to community in reforestation and community cultural knowledge and skills.
• Onerahi Kindergarten for their community focus of working with external parties and enhancing experiences for diverse learners.
• Comrie park Kindergarten for adding value and learning enhancement to current environment.
• Ruawai Kindergarten for adding value and shared understanding to current teams’ knowledge of syntropic gardening and Enviroschools kaupapa.

Congratulations, Kerikeri Kindergarten!

Kerikeri’s application resonated with the judges and stood out as the deserving winner of the $10,000 scholarship. Their vision? To integrate global sustainability practices—eco-literacy, environmental kaitiakitanga, and community engagement. They believe in our interconnected world, shared insights and that collaborative efforts drive long-term, meaningful change.

The judges noted that Kerikeri embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly and expanded their ideas beyond the walls of their kindergarten.

“We eagerly anticipate their journey—a path that promises growth, skill development, and the implementation of valuable knowledge,” says Judy.

They’ll use the scholarship fund to empower their entire team by attending ‘The Green Educators Experience’ at the Green School in Bali, scheduled for 2025. The experience aims to help educators further understand what sustainability means and how education plays a pivotal role in building a sustainable future for all.

Fellow judges Richard Storey (CEO of NKA) and Kim Townsend (NKA Enviroschools Co-Ordinator) offered more insightful feedback for the kindergarten.

“Kerikeri got the brief and presented an innovative idea. We love their commitment to maintaining enthusiasm and enhancing their team experience,” said Richard.

Kim remarked, “Kerikeri is looking ahead, considering both their team and their surrounding community. It’s clear they aspire to be leaders in sustainable education, stretching their boundaries and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll make.”

Kerikeri Kindergarten is no stranger to accolades for their mahi – they were also winners of the ‘Environmental action in education’ award at Northland Regional Council’s 2023 Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards.