In 2020, Havelock North Intermediate School participated in a beeswax wrap making workshop!

A local business volunteered their time and expertise to show the students how to make beeswax wraps so that students could start their own beeswax wrap production As part of the activity, students gave presentations to demonstrate how and why the students should make a beeswax wrap to use instead of clingfilm!

Another highlight of the campaign was learning about the experience of two YRE students, Diantae and Jenny from Orautoha School who investigated the issue of plastic litter in the Ruatiti Valley.

They contacted the local Ruapehu District Council to ask if a recycling station could be installed in the valley to help combat the amount of plastic litter entering the waterways. The Council took their concerns seriously and agreed that having a recycling station would make a “big difference” to the area and is currently working towards making this a reality. They were thrilled that the council has taken notice of their concerns and the girls created a video entry for the YRE competition named 'Small Steps, Big Change'. Jenny said “I'm still surprised that Council have taken notice of a kid at school”.

We believe that this type of story is what YRE is all about! Often our young people believe that adults won’t listen to their concerns about environmental issues. The confidence that students gain when they realise that their actions have made a real difference is one of the most positive experiences YRE students can have, and it is wonderful to see our students empowered in this way.

Watch their video entry here: