Environmental Challenge for NZ High Schools

MEDIA RELEASE: 5pm, Sunday 16th May, 2010

Environmental Challenge for New Zealand High Schools
 

Auckland, Hamilton and Bay of Plenty high schools will test their environmental knowledge and skills in a new environmental competition called Enviro-Challenge.

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 programme of events is supported by local councils and energy trusts.  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 their high schools, local communities 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 fifty participating 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 programme.

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 including Federated Farmers, the New Zealand Forest Owners Association and the Ministry for the Environment to name just a few.

The Enviro-Challenge events will be held as follows.  Members of the media and public are welcome to attend:

Waitakere, Monday 17th May, 8.30am – 12.30pm, Global Café, 20 Alderman Drive, Henderson.

North Shore, Monday 17th May, 1pm – 5pm, Sir Peter Blake Marine Education & Recreation Centre (MERC), 1045 Beach Rd, Long Bay.

Auckland, Tuesday 18th May, 9am – 1pm, The Conference Centre, 585 Great South Road, Penrose.

Eastern Bay of Plenty, Wednesday 19th May, 10am – 2pm, EastBay REAP.

Hamilton, Thursday 20th May, 1pm – 5pm, Wintec, Bill Gallagher Event Room 1.

ENDS.

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