Environmental Challenge for Western Bay Schools

MEDIA RELEASE: 9am, Thursday 13th May, 2010
 
Environmental Challenge for Western Bay High Schools

 
Western Bay high schools will test their environmental knowledge and skills in the annual Enviro-Challenge competition tomorrow on Friday 14th May in Tauranga.
 
The unique event challenges high schools to demonstrate their environmental abilities including presenting an environmental review of their school and performing a carbon footprint audit.  Teams will also produce a motivational environmental poster and video for use in their school and will be tested with an environmental knowledge quiz.  
  
The event is supported by Tauranga City Council.  Coordinator for the Enviro-Challenge, Calum Revfem explains that the design of the event ensures that senior students appreciate and understand the environmental issues facing high schools, the Western Bay and New Zealand. “The students are quick to learn that there are no simple answers to many of the challenges that they face – but that doesn’t seem to daunt their enthusiasm and creativity to come up with innovative solutions”.  

Each of the eight Western Bay high schools taking part in the event receives a coaching session and an on-line resource kit to prepare them for the challenge day.  As well as environmental skills and knowledge, the event tests teamwork, problem solving and the ability to work under time pressure.  The winning school team receives an environmental education fieldtrip.  One environmental ambassador is also selected from each school to represent them on a 4-day educational trip to Auckland.

The 2010 Enviro-Challenge will include a debate on the effectiveness of the emissions trading scheme in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Students from each school will represent different stakeholders in the debate.

Participating schools from 2009 have since formed student environmental committees and are now tackling real waste and energy efficiency issues at their schools.  They will be reporting their progress in this year’s environmental review presentation.  

The eight schools taking the 2010 Enviro-Challenge are Tauranga Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges, Aquinas, Te Puke High School, Katikati College, Otumoetai College, Mount Maungnaui College and Bethlehem College. The Enviro-Challenge event will be held at Bay Court Theatre on Friday 14th May, from 9am – 1pm. Members of the media and public are welcome to attend.

ENDS.
 

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