Pukerau School

Pukerau Primary is a delightful co-ed primary school located in a rural area just outside of Gore. Pukerau has 26 students on the school roll. The school has been involved in Enviroschools since 2006 and is entering into its third year in the programme. The Enviroschools programme is driven by dedicated teachers and a very ‘on to it’ Envirogroup – the NET Team (nature and environment team). The BOT and community are very supportive of the programme and assist where possible. The Enviroschools objectives are part of the school charter.

Pukerau has had a very hands on year in the school grounds, with the establishment of vegetable gardens and being involved with the Department of Conservation in a weeds project.

The NET group and other students saw that there was a need to grow healthy fresh vegetables in their school grounds. This was determined through the vision-mapping process. Large vegetable gardens have been built, with help from the community and donations from various organisations. All students have an area in the garden to grow their own vegetables and when they are ready the students are able to take them home. All children are responsible for the maintenance and planting of the gardens. The students were involved in all aspects of this project, which is part of the Enviroschools' aims.

The Department of Conservation and Enviroschools formed a partnership in 2007 as part of a pilot programme, and Pukerau School is now part of this partnership. DOC and Pukerau are working together on a weeds and native area project. The initial aim was to broaden the knowledge base of the students in regards to weeds and in 2008 this partnership is going to extend to incorporate the schools native area, which was highlighted by the students as an area in the school which they would like to work on.

In 2007 Pukerau was presented with a Bronze award for all their efforts, which was well deserved. There are many other projects occurring at the school, contact the school on 03 205 3857 or email pukerauschool@woosh.co.nz for more information. The school also welcomes other schools to come and look at their Enviroschools projects.