Teachers and community volunteers joined 38 year 4, 5 and 6 students from six Clutha district schools, for the first Enviroschools Hui for 2025, on Tuesday, March 25.
The hui centred on the autumn equinox, when the last bounty of the Summer food growing season is ripe and ready for harvest.
Pupils gathered tubs of apples from the school’s large heritage tree and potted lavender and rosemary to take home and propagate.
Groups formed to peel and prepare the apples for juicing and making apple crumble.
At the school’s own hive, local beekeeper Tessah Braid explained the organisation and life-cycle of bees, and their importance in pollination and food supply.
"It was great to see students making the connection to the circle of nature, where our food comes from," Clutha Enviroschools facilitator Scott Martin said.
"They learned the significance of pollinators and locally sourced food, and made real, nutritional food and drink with their own harvest and hard mahi.
"They’re engaging new life skills to understand the importance of sustainable, healthy food to nourish individuals and communities."
He wanted to thank Te Runanga o Waikoau representative Timikuka Walker, volunteers and experts for their support.
Mr Martin said he was impressed how Waitahuna School embraced Te Ao Māori in their daily school life and were able integrate it into the Enviroschools hui.
