Eighty-eight Year 4-8 students from nineteen Lower Hutt schools gathered at Hutt Intermediate School late in term three 2014, to share their ideas about sustainability and take part in lots of hands-on activities.

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Four years ago Hutt Intermediate’s Greenie Group came up with the idea for an event that would connect and inspire students. With the support of Hutt City Council and Enviroschools, Kids Connect was born.

With earthquake strengthening happening in the City Council’s halls, it was very fitting that the third Kids Connect could be hosted by Hutt Intermediate. Their Greenie Group worked hard to set up the hall and made everyone very welcome.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace spoke to the group about how important he saw such gatherings – and about how his own household is taking action for the environment as they learn more about the issues.

With a mix of games, music, discussion and activities, students got to meet each other, hear what is happening in each others’ schools, and get inspired to do more. With activities supported by volunteers, Hutt City Council, Capacity, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Enviroschools, students explored biodiversity, water conservation, electricity, growing food, and creative waste reduction.

For the first time, Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi Year 10 students were kaiako (teachers) too. They introduced harakeke to the students. Their hard work and supportive manner was greatly appreciated.

For the adults who accompanied their students, a highlight was seeing the kids engaged and excited about environmental issues: “We need to feed our future leaders/citizens with more info like this.”

And what did the students take away?

“What the actual word sustainability means and realising you can apply that word to your life.”

“We need to be as a family to protect each other.”

“Practicing small things makes a difference.”

We’re looking forward to Kids Connect 4 in 2015!

Download a copy of the Healthy Kai resource used at the hui. 

Updated 13/11/14