In 2010 we had a big problem. Our water tank was full, but we had no way of using the water on the gardens because the pressure was too low for the hoses to run. So Room 13 set about researching possible solutions for the big problem. We began looking at ways to solve low pressure. We looked at solar energy but quickly decided on windpower. While learning about windmills we decided that a wind turbine could be the solution for our problem. Tāwhirimātea was strong in the garden area and we felt sure we were on to a good idea.                                    

At the same time a letter arrived at school from Transpower Neighbourhood Engineers offering an engineer to help with a technology project. We worked with Jonhtee and had a lot of fun learning new ideas. We learnt all about words such as blades, foundations, mast, shaft, rotate and generate.

We made simple model windmills. We tried out small windmill generators that could make enough power to make light. We learnt about, made and used wind measuring equipment called anemometers.

Transpower liked our project so much that they awarded us first equal in the Engineer’s Award competition and gave us $500 to get started with the wind turbine.

Thanks to Auckland Council’s Environmental Initiatives Fund (EIF) we had enough money to finish the project and in term four 2013 we opened the wind turbine with a pōwhiri led by our culture group and a whole school haka. During the ceremony the wind turbine was spinning like mad and we were able to power sprinklers in the shade house for the very first time. It was legendary!

In the nursery and gardens we are really starting to see the benefits of a good watering system. Some of the native plants and trees we have grown are harekeke, manuka, kōwhai and puriri. We are able to use the plants in our school green area, as well as share them with others. We want to develop our system even more so that garden plants can be grown all throughout the summer with an automatic system.

We are excited about sharing our wind turbine with others in the school community. There are lots of possibilities for the future. Two classes will focus on the wind turbine this year to learn how much energy is being generated, what else we can use it for and how far it can be developed in other ways. We think our wind turbine has heaps more potential and we are looking forward to finding out what that may be.

By Mauga Laufau, Delorister Nofoaiga and Sahan Dewage (students), Rebekah Phillips and Bronwyn Reid (lead Enviroschools teachers)