Taking Action for Nature – Thanks to Contact Energy

It’s often the small things that make a big difference — a warm raincoat, a magnifying glass, or simply the chance to get outside, no matter the weather. Thanks to the Contact Energy Take Action Fund, some of those barriers to outdoor learning are being removed for schools and ECE centres across the Taupō region.

The Take Action Fund, proudly supported by Contact Energy, was created to help kura and early learning centres get the tools and resources they need to take action for nature. Whether it’s funding for gear, materials, or resources, the goal is simple: empower tamariki to connect with te taiao (the environment) in meaningful and practical ways.

Rain or Shine at Tawa Early Learning Centre

One of this term’s recipients, Tawa Early Learning Centre, used their $300 grant to purchase two high-quality raincoats for their kaiako. As they shared in their thank-you note:

“We have purchased 2 raincoats for our kaiako so we can get in the outdoors, enjoy walks with Heidi and get stuck into nature with our tamariki without worrying about getting wet or cold! This is an amazing gift to our centre and one which will improve outdoor experiences and learning for our tamariki.”

We couldn’t agree more — and the colour choice was excellent!

Tools for Discovery at Waipahihi School

After several schools expressed interest in magnifying glasses for environmental investigations, we decided to invest in a shared set that schools can borrow. Waipahihi School students were the first to use them as part of their learning about plant growth this term. It’s been fantastic seeing their curiosity bloom as they examine the natural world up close.

If your class in the Taupō rohe would like to borrow the magnifying glasses for your own nature investigations, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

A huge thank you to Contact Energy for enabling this fund and supporting the next generation of environmental leaders.