Kiwikidz earn bronze

Kiwikidz at the Beach are the proud owners of an Enviroschool award.

The early childhood centre celebrated their bronze award with a morning of celebrations at the Waihi Beach centre last week. Some ex “Kiwikidz” who are now at Waihi Beach School also came along for the celebration.

Enviroschools is an environmental action-based programme where young people are encouraged to lead sustainability projects.

Owner and teacher Debbie Kingsford-Tinling says their centre community has always embraced natural environments and resources and upheld respect for others, their environment and for living creatures.

They had aligned themselves with Enviroschools two years ago.

“At Kiwikidz we have a clear shared vision of our goals and where we are going, these are in our strategic plan and teachers, wha¯nau, tamariki and community are actively working together to make them happen.”

The children are involved in daily routines of sorting food scraps for the worm farm, pig bucket or into the rubbish. Worm castings and worm juice is used to enrich the soil in their veggie garden where herbs and seasonal vegetables are grown. Art areas include the use of recycled materials and natural resources collected from the local environment.

The children were involved in the March for Climate Change and planting of native trees in Waihi.

They are beginning to reflect, question and guide each other, Debbie says.

“At Kiwikidz children are empowered and becoming confident to lead activities and actively participate in sustainable practices that nurture and support our environment.”