Kindergartens receive Good Idea Award for rainwater barrels!

4 November 2011

Upper Hutt Kindergartens receive inaugural Good Idea Award for rain water barrels!

The Upper Hutt City Council inaugural Good Idea Award has been presented to Birchville, Brown Owl, Cottle, and Heretaunga Kindergartens for their rainwater collection systems that are helping to educate the next generation about looking after our most important resource—water.

Upper Hutt, Wellington NZ, 04 Nov 2011 - The Upper Hutt City Council inaugural Good Idea Award has been awarded to Birchville, Brown Owl, Cottle, and Heretaunga Kindergartens. All four Upper Hutt Kindergartens have each received their awards which includes a donated $50 gift voucher from Oderings in Upper Hutt.

“These fantastic Upper Hutt kindergartens are collecting rain water for the children to use in education and play,” says Upper Hutt Sustainability Advisor, Roderick Boys.

“The children use rain water collected from the roof for watering our vegetable gardens and this is also the only water used for playing with in the sandpit,” says Birchville Kindergarten Head Teacher, Karen Knight. “The children quickly learn that if they leave the rain barrel tap running, there is no more water to play with until it next rains. This simple lesson teaches the children the value of water and the importance of conserving water so that it lasts.”

A local favorite, Kev the Kiwi also made an appearance at Birchville Kindergarten to present their award and entertain the delighted kids. Birchville Kindergarten has made their rainwater collection system entirely from recycled materials at no cost. Birchville’s ingenuity really impressed Kev the Kiwi and Mr Boys, who also talked with the children about the importance of reusing, recycling, and composting.

“The kindergartens were recognised for their rainwater collection systems as water conservation is important year round, especially as we are a storage lake (Te Marua) down this year and next,” says Mr Boys.

The ‘Good Idea Awards’ (GIAs) are now open for nominations from the community. “The purpose of the Good Idea Awards is to inspire behaviour change and propagate good ideas throughout the community, often good ideas bring people together, help save money and resources, and look after the environment all at the same time,” says Mr Boys. To make a nomination for the next round, please go to www.upperhuttcity.com/GIA.

About Upper Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.

For more information on Upper Hutt City and the City Council, go to www.upperhuttcity.com

ENDS