Onehunga High School is proud to announce its continued involvement in Auckland Council’s Rangatahi Environmental Action Leaders (REAL) programme for 2026.

The initiative brings together 50 students from across Tāmaki Makaurau to develop leadership skills and explore career pathways in sustainability.

This year, OHS has selected three dedicated students to represent our school and further their commitment to living sustainably: Nathan Marshall (Y12) and Harley Taufelila (Y11) returning for their second year and Arlo Gould (Y11) joining for the first time.

The impact of the REAL programme is already visible at OHS. Following the Council donation of our school compost bin in 2025, the Enviro students have been busy auditing and maintaining the system. The team gathered today to refresh the garden area—weeding, planting, and clearing overgrowth like flax and ivy. Currently, the main source of organic waste for our compost comes directly from the school’s Food and Hospitality Department, closing the loop on food waste.

Lawrence (Y13), who is also involved in the OHS House Build project, is currently designing two additional compost bins. He is working on costing materials and sourcing supplies from local recycling plants. Discussions are underway to introduce a worm farm to further diversify our waste management.

English teacher Ms Plowman oversees the Enviro Club which meets every Wednesday to maintain the site and brainstorm new projects. She is keen to encourage their ideas and creativity and would love to see more students get involved—no experience is necessary, just a passion for the environment!