News

Case Study: CarbonCycle and Te Kauwhata Primary School

This composting project provides ongoing learning opportunities for tamariki, and benefits the whole community.

Circular waste management can empower communities.

“It is hands on, practical learning with real life, tangible outcomes,” said Paul Murray of Para Kore Marae Ltd.

Para Kore Marae is a national Māori zero waste organisation. Recently, it collaborated with Te Kauwhata Primary School and The CarbonCycle Company. Together, using funding allocated by the Waikato District Council, the project established a community compost hub in the school, servicing their small town of just under 3000 residents.

Read the latest print edition of School News HERE

Murray said that tamariki at Te Kauwhata Primary were involved at each stage of the project – not a single learning opportunity was wasted. Building the compost structure and putting the first scraps into the hub were all used as opportunities for learning about subjects like microbiology and soil composition. At the first turning of the compost weeks later, children learned about the soil food web and healthy soil indicators.

The compost project also creates opportunities for ākonga to learn about Mātauranga Māori, and the project has been tied into the new local histories curriculum. The hub highlights how we are intrinsically connected to the whenua.  “Composting is another way of being a good ancestor,” said Murray.

Image supplied by Para Kore Marae Ltd.

The community compost hub is helmed by ex-teacher aide Rhonda Irvine, who is now the community compost hub manager. Previously, Irvine was the school gardens manager. Now, she is helping to create soil that will help feed those gardens. 

“The Te Kauwhata Community Compost Hub model highlights the intersection of community relationships and participation, education and learning, waste-minimisation, zero waste and environmental restoration,” said Murray. 

With the compost hub up and running, Irvine is continuing to build relationships with the local community, including contacting local businesses and running initiatives like installing a community food-waste drop-off bin. That means hopefully one day, all of the residents in Te Kauwhata can enjoy locally made soil.

Read more on effective waste management strategies in schools here.

Naomii Seah

Naomii Seah is a writer and journalist from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. She has been covering education in New Zealand since 2022.

Recent Posts

English curriculum draft out for consultation

The much-delayed English draft curriculum is now out for consultation, generating discussion from teachers.

3 weeks ago

Arts, culture and recreation positive for the wellbeing of rangatahi

Research from AUT demonstrates arts, culture and recreation have positive impacts on all aspects of…

3 weeks ago

School phone ban one year on: our student survey reveals mixed feelings about its success

How effective has the school phone ban been in achieving its aims? Researchers from the…

3 weeks ago

Learning growing and exploring with school camps and excursions

School camps and excursions deliver hands on learning experiences, helping to consolidate classroom learning.

3 weeks ago

Could an AV system improve learning outcomes and student engagement?

Innovations in AV technologies present new opportunities to engage with students. We look at how…

3 weeks ago

What makes a good teacher?

A new report from the University of Auckland’s Our Voices Project asks young people what…

4 weeks ago