Wānaka Primary School celebrates major milestone

Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster presents Wānaka Primary School teacher and Enviro lead Jo...
Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster presents Wānaka Primary School teacher and Enviro lead Jo Roberts with the school’s silver Enviroschools certification. PHOTO: ORLA O’MUIRI/WASTEBUSTERS
Wānaka Primary School celebrated a major milestone on their Enviroschools journey at the end of last year, collecting a silver certification award.

At the school’s final assembly for 2023, the school farewelled teacher of 17 years Jo Roberts, who played an integral role in the Enviroschools success.

Principal Wendy Bamford said the school would work hard to continue Ms Roberts’ legacy.

Enviroschools facilitator Damian Foster, of Wānaka Wastebusters, said no idea was too big or too dirty for Ms Roberts, who had a passion for empowering the pupils  to take action for sustainability. 

"The children love to work with Jo and give up their lunchtimes to be part of the Envirogroup. Jo will be sadly missed by the whole school community," he said.

Wānaka Primary has created Our Garden to Table project, complete with worm farm, tunnel house and well producing gardens, and a purpose-built kitchen.

Future work will include a water area, beehive fundraiser and celebrations of local history and Te Ao Māori .

Enviroschools is delivered by Wastebusters.