Schools for Trees programme honoured with international award

The programme won the award for Best Local Community/Grassroots Project, placing it among just four winners selected from entries across more than 20 countries.

The Green Flag Award is recognised as the international benchmark for parks and green spaces, with the new International “Best of the Best” awards established to celebrate the most inspiring initiatives from Green Flag Award-winning parks around the world.

Since launching in 2021, Te Mata Park’s Schools for Trees programme has connected hundreds of local students with hands-on conservation work. Each of the nine participating schools has its own small plot within the Park where students plant native trees and return throughout the year to care for them, creating an ongoing sense of stewardship and growing the next generation of kaitiaki for the Park.

In announcing the award, Carl McClean, International Development Manager for the Green Flag Award, described Schools for Trees as, “an innovative, low-cost model for building future environmental stewards while restoring the native flora and fauna of this iconic New Zealand landscape.”

McClean also noted that the project demonstrated how significant environmental outcomes can be achieved without large budgets, making it a standout among entries from around the world.

Te Mata Park Trust Chair, Jon Lewin, said, “To receive this level of international recognition is incredibly special. Schools for Trees is built on a simple idea – giving young people the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the environment and see the impact of their efforts grow over time.”

Lewin acknowledged the support of partner schools, and funders Trees That Count and Hawke’s Bay Foundation who have supported the initiative over the years.

“We are deeply grateful to our schools, Trees That Count and Hawke’s Bay Foundation for their support and belief in this programme. Their contribution has helped create a model that is not only restoring Te Mata Park’s native biodiversity but inspiring the next generation of environmental guardians.”

Te Mata School teacher and Kaitiaki Group Leader, Jo Phillips, who has been involved with the programme from the beginning, said, “One of the most rewarding parts of this programme is seeing our students return year after year to care for the trees they planted. It helps children slow down, get their hands in the soil, and feel grounded and connected to the place they call home. Working alongside their classmates, whānau, and community members gives them a real sense of belonging, responsibility, and pride in caring for our local taonga. The programme brings our learning and karakia to life, helping students understand what it truly means to be kaitiaki of the land and waterways around them. Rather than simply talking about caring for the environment, they experience it firsthand and see that their actions can make a positive difference for future generations.”

The Schools for Trees programme forms part of Te Mata Park Trust’s wider restoration efforts, which have resulted in more than 65,000 native trees being planted throughout the Park since 2020.

The Trust is actively looking for funding for the Schools for Trees programme and welcomes enquiries from individuals, businesses, and funders. Please get in touch with our Fundraising and Grants Manager Catherine Mueller to find out more about supporting Schools for Trees.

ENDS

Media enquiries:
Sarah Austin-Smith, Park Manager, Te Mata Park Trust
sarah@tematapark.co.nz | 021 433 466