The importance of collective climate action amongst youth was evident at 2025’s Enviro Challenge competition.

Organised by Sustainability Options, this year’s Enviro Challenge brought together 77 students from nine Bay of Plenty secondary schools for a one-day sustainability competitionheld at Tauranga Girls’ College.

Made possible thanks to the sponsors: Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Whakatāne District Council, and Sustainability Options.

Tauranga Boys’ College won the Enviro Challenge Award, and Whakatāne High School received the Rising Star Award for their creativity and emerging leadership.

Back due to popular demand after a siz-year hiatus, run by Sustainability Options team members Amy Earles (leader of the 2019 Enviro Challenge winning team) and Jo Wills (a longtime organiser), the event gave students a chance to explore sustainability through five interactive activities:

● Presenting a sustainability audit of their school

● An upcycling task using a mystery box of waste materials

● A photo challenge based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

● A structured debate on a topical environmental issue

● A sustainability quiz

The energy and creativity on the day were evident in projects like a rainwater recovery system built entirely from repurposed items. Photography entries showed impressive insight into global sustainability goals, and debates revealed a depth of critical thinking from all schools.

Students shared mahi from their kura ranging from native restoration to food sovereignty, energy and water efficiency, and local partnerships—demonstrating a strong understanding of real-world environmental challenges.

The three judges had their work cut out for them and were impressed by the standard of work produced:

Karen Summerhays from Whakatāne District Council said it was inspiring to see the creative thinking and relevant content that was presented.

“Struggling to ingrain sustainable behaviour within the school community was a common theme but these young people are certainly leading the way.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Ilze Kruis said the schools’ innovative approaches to sustainability had restored her faith in the younger generation’s ability to implement impactful projects, both within their schools and in the wider environment.

Tauranga City Council’s Gabriel Hurford said it was truly inspiring to see the creative ideas, meaningful content, and passion the students brought to the event, making the judging process a very challenging one.

“The students are all leading the way in making a positive difference, one step at a time.”

The participating schools were:  Te Puke High School, Aquinas College, Pāpāmoa College, Tauranga Boys’ College, Tauranga Girls’ College, Katikati College, Ōtūmoetai College, Mount Maunganui College, and Whakatāne High School.