Student leaders secure funding to expand OHS composting programme.

Our OHS Enviroclub students have successfully secured a $5,000 grant from Auckland Council to expand their composting programme and school gardens. The funding was awarded through the Sustainable Schools Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund (WMIF), following a successful application prepared by student leaders Nathan Marshall (Year 12), Arlo Gould (Year 11), William Scott (Year 12), Lydia MacDonald (Year 13) and Harley Taufelila (Year 11).

The project began when Enviroclub students secured Mana Ora funding to establish the school's composting system. Since then, students have taken responsibility for running the programme, collecting food scraps from our Hospitality Department, monitoring the amount of waste diverted from landfill and conducting waste audits across the school. The additional $5,000 will allow students to expand the composting system and school gardens, building on the work they have already achieved.

The compost produced is used in our school gardens to grow herbs, edible flowers and vegetables, which are then returned to Hospitality classes for use in student learning. It is a great example of students putting their environmental knowledge into practice and making a difference within our school. Nathan, Arlo and William shared that one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in Enviroclub is seeing the positive impact of their work. They recognise that small actions, such as reducing food waste and carbon emissions, can make a difference and are proud to be contributing to a more sustainable future.

Congratulations to our Enviroclub students for taking the initiative to secure this funding and for their continued commitment to improving sustainability at OHS. It is particularly pleasing to see our students leading a project that is making a practical difference to our school.

Pictured from left: William Scott, Nathan Marshall and Arlo Gould.