Piopio Primary School Blooms

VISITORS driving past Piopio Primary School may have noticed fresh additions to the grounds: a new greenhouse, compost bins, and seven raised garden beds.

The tamariki are buzzing with excitement as the school’s garden space transforms into a hub for sustainability and learning. The project was made possible through a grant from Air New Zealand, supporting initiatives for a more sustainable Aotearoa.

The greenhouse will allow students to raise seeds and grow produce during the winter months, while each class will manage its own garden, planning crops throughout the year. The harvest will be shared with the wider Piopio community, promoting healthy living. They have also been hard at work moving soil to prepare the new garden beds. Once the bases are filled, the school hopes to source quality topsoil — and welcomes contributions from the community.

Students are also learning the science of composting, layering organic material and saving food scraps from morning tea and lunch to reduce waste from the kura.

The school extends its thanks to Countryside Projects Ltd for constructing the gardens and greenhouse. Principal, Sue Coyle, and staff say the initiative reflects Piopio Primary’s commitment to environmental responsibility and active participation in the local community