Lil’ green thumbs get the thumbs up

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

GROWING AWARENESS: Waterview School has been awarded a pohutukawa tree by Auckland City Council for helping to reduce the number of cars on the road. From left: Parent Margi Watson, student Lolohea Stormont, father Stuart Stormont and student Greta Newcombe.

Waterview youngsters with an eye on the environment have earned their school a leafy prize for taking part in World Car Free Day.

The school’s walking school bus marched up Great North Rd during September with balloons and banners to raise awareness among drivers.

About 35 children took part, handing out eco-bags and car-free tattoos while enjoying marshmallows and Milo to educate Aucklanders about reducing carbon-footprints.

Their efforts have been praised by the Auckland City Council, which has awarded them with a pohutukawa tree.

Waterview School principal Brett Skeen says the student campaigners did really well and classes have been involved in a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives like Bike Better and Keep New Zealand Beautiful Week.

He says drivers have been receptive too.

Mr Skeen says about one in four children take a walking school bus and efforts are enhanced by a Travelwise programme linked with the council.

"We’ve never had so many kids biking to school. Lots live within one kilometre."

Student Lolohea Stormont, 7, uses the walking school bus every day and is proud of the group’s effort.

"It will look beautiful when it gets bigger," she says of the new tree.

Council school road safety co-ordinator Melanie Tomes says green ideas promote the day and schools sent in photos showing participation.

"It’s about promoting sustainable transport choices and creating a better environment."

Parent and volunteer Margi Watson says it is encouraging that kids make healthy choices.

Thirty-three schools and 15,000 kids took part in local World Car Free Day initiatives.

- © Fairfax NZ News