BOROUGH GREENIES

Embedded, integrated, sustained, instinctive, effective, empowered, deep, critical, visionary, courageous...

Ashburton Borough School has come a long way on its sustainability journey over time. This has seen us develop and evolve our enviro belief and vision. The guiding principles: learning for sustainability; empowered students; sustainable communities; Māori perspectives; respect for the diversity of people and cultures are woven into all aspects of school life.

We understand that all living things rely on each other and we must do all that we can to maintain nature's balance, sharing with others why we should be sustainable. Students know their ideas are valued and that their choices and actions contribute to a more sustainable world. The enviro group is a leading force within the school.

There is a strong sense of connection amongst Borough staff and students to the school environment, local area and greater Canterbury.

The environment at school is changing as students design and create new areas. Our new native garden, Mara Ataahua is an example of this and is well utilised.

The diversity of plants and animals has increased with new habitats created. Our edible organic gardens are enjoyed and soon our orchard trees will be bearing more fruit.

The differences we are making are an inspiration to others in our community, e.g. Waste minimisation, education of parents re:sustainable practices,students taking action to solve local environmental issues.


For the past two years, we have been working hard at getting 'Hooper's Garden' up and running to produce kai for our Tamariki. This year we have had help planting and learning about what we are planting by April from Mitre 10 Mega. Hoopers Garden is maintained by the Ashburton Borough School Enviro group which consists of two selected members of every classroom in the school and led by the year 8 Enviro leaders.

Key Concepts of Environmental Education

  • Interdependence: relationships between all living things and their environment

  • Biodiversity: variety of life

  • Personal & Social Responsibility: taking positive action to solve environmental problems and recognising Maori culture and traditions

  • Sustainability: using resources wisely, sharing resources and not wasting them, understanding that all living things rely on each other, maintaining natures balance, sharing with others why we should be sustainable.