Te Puna Kindergarten has kick-started 2023 with a new and improved composting system, thanks to a funding boost from the Earthwise Action Fund.

And this, says Te Puna Kindergarten's Pam Hunton, is a much-needed addition to the kindergarten's grounds.

'We now have a gorgeous three bay compost bin system that allows proper compost practice – there's one box in use for scraps and other organic matter, one for resting, waiting for the natural decomposition process to take place, and one fully composted and ready to add to fertilise the gardens,” she says, adding that their tamariki struggled to access and use their old composting system.

Earthwise Group managing director and owner Jamie Peters says the new composting system is a great way for the Bay of Plenty kindergarten to manage their waste footprint, and for the children to learn about composting.

'When Te Puna Kindergarten shared their idea with us, we really loved that fact that it enabled their tamariki to use the compost bins themselves, and as such, learn as they go. Now, more than ever, composting and reducing waste is so important. It has been so great to see their idea come to life.”

In partnership with the Toimata Foundation (and their Enviroschools and Te Aho T ̄u Roa networks), the Earthwise Action Fund provides valuable funding for student and community-led sustainability driven projects.

In the Enviroschools network, Te Puna Kindergarten was one of 16 successful recipients from more than 96 applications from across New Zealand selected to receive support from the Earthwise Action Fund this year.

Earthwise, pioneers in eco-friendly products in New Zealand, and New Zealand's favourite eco-friendly household cleaning brand in supermarkets, is the perfect partner to support such worthwhile sustainable projects.

The funding varies in amount from $1000 to $5000 per project (depending on the project needs) and is provided by Earthwise to empower young people to make a meaningful difference in their schools and communities.

Scraps and organic matter waiting for the natural decomposition process.

These sustainable initiatives have many positive benefits – restoring ecosytems, community
resilience, fostering manaakitanga, developing practical sustainability skills, climate action,
intergenerational learning, growing financial literacy, youth entrepreneurship, advancing the circular economy and more.

'We are delighted to be working with Earthwise to bring more opportunities to our nationwide networks. There are so many inspiring initiatives in the Enviroschools and Te Aho T ̄u Roa networks, and The Earthwise Action Fund enables them to become a reality to benefit our tamariki and wider communities,” says Kristen Price, Toimata Foundation strategic partnership manager.

'With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, this network shares a very similar ethos to us. To continue to empower the next generation of young people and make a meaningful difference in communities across New Zealand,” says Jamie.