Hon Nanaia Mahuta
Minister of Youth Affairs, Minister of Customs, Minister of Local Government, Associate Minister for the Environment,
Associate Minister of Tourism,
MP for Tainui
8 July 2008 Media Statement
Funding encourages environmental awareness
Associate Environment and Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta is pleased to announce the 14 schools which have received
grants under the New Zealand Glass Environmental Fund to carry out environmental projects.
A total of $22,346 has been granted for the 2008 round of the fund, which was established by glass bottle manufacturer
O-I New Zealand in 1983.
The money will go towards marine studies, recycling initiatives, composting and creating vegetable gardens, with the aim
of raising young peoples’ awareness of the importance of taking care of the environment.
“Our young people will be playing central roles in the future, so we need to build on their enthusiasm for environmental
issues, and help them develop a mature and responsible attitude to the environment and a commitment to practical
action,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
“That is exactly what this Fund is intended to do. It is very encouraging to see so many schools take such an active
interest in teaching students how to better care for our environment.”
Fund secretary and O-I Environmental Affairs Adviser Penny Garland says the company is proud of the 25th anniversary
milestone for the Fund.
“Schools are still responding well and this shows the commitment that schools are making to environmental education,”
said Penny Garland.
Nanaia Mahuta said the Labour-led government is supportive of such initiatives, which aims is to encourage community
involvement in environmental projects, in partnership with regional councils, the Department of Conservation, NGOs, and
parents, and by creating awareness of the simple steps that can be taken to become more sustainable.
“O-I New Zealand established the Fund to encourage young peoples’ understanding of the steps that can be taken to
protect the environment, and I would like to acknowledge the company’s huge contribution and support,” said Nanaia
Mahuta said.
A list of successful applicants is attached
Baverstock Oaks School Purchase of a worm farm
$2,500
Grey Lynn School Worm farm initiative only
$850 (part grant)
Hamilton North School Enviro-garden project
$1,000 (part grant)
Hato Paora School Establishment of greenhouse nursery, composting and recycling
$1,000 (part grant)
Hukanui Primary School Eco-classroom project
$5,000 (part grant)
Kaipara College Bio-security project, dune restoration work and community outreach work
$3,600 (part grant)
Tirau Primary School Development of sustainable food gardens
$1,000 (part grant)
Collectively Kids Daycare Materials needed to conduct and publicise a rubbish audit
$250
Makauri School Develop raised vegetable gardens
$496
Opoutere School Recycling initiative
$1,000 (part grant)
Rai Valley Area School Restoration of a bush reserve to use as an outdoor classroom
$1,500
Tapawera Area School Establishment of a pond and rockery to encourage an increase in skink colony
$1,530
Wellington East Girls’ College Establishment of an organic garden
$1,000 (part grant)
Whakatane High School Marine study around Mayor Island of fish and invertebrates both inside and outside the Marine
Reserve
$1,620
Total Granted $22,346
ENDS