Aurora College

Aurora College was opened in 2005 and is a co-ed secondary school (year 7 to 13). 2007 was a huge year for Aurora College and Enviroschools. In July 2007, Aurora College signed their memorandum of understanding – formalising the partnership between the College, the Enviroschools Foundation and Environment Southland. The MOU signing was held at a whole school assembly.

In 2007 the Aurora Envirogroup ventured to Rotorua for the first Youth Jam event, which was coordinated by the Enviroschools Foundation. The Enviroschools Youth Jam was a ‘Youth Teaching Youth’ event where workshops were run by students for students. Workshop topics included energy, waste, rivers, lakes, design, dawn choruses, counting carbons, media releases, radio stations and even Muttonbirds! All with links back to the main kaupapa of climate change.

The Aurora Envirogroup focused their presentation on the migratory and feeding patterns of the Sooty Shearwater, or the Muttonbird, and whether climate change was affecting the birds. This topic has great significance for Aurora College with some students and families heading to the mutton bird islands during the season. Prior to departing for the Youth Jam, the groups delivered their presentation to various groups – Rotary and Council included. The presentation was excellent!

2008 is another exciting year for Aurora College with the installation of 2 solar wall panels, which will aid in heating the school. Aurora College is part of a national trial that is being run by the Enviroschools Foundation and the Building Research Institute of New Zealand. Watch this space for more information on how the trial is going!!

If you would like any information about Aurora College's Enviroschools projects you can contact the school on 03 211 6040. Rachel Whitaker is the lead teacher, rwhitaker@auroracollege.school.nz