Imagine a school where the architecture breathes with the rhythm of nature, where every corner is bathed in the soft glow of natural light, and where the very design of the buildings sparks curiosity and creativity in every student, parent, and teacher who walks through its doors.
Welcome to Green School New Zealand, where the journey towards a brighter, more sustainable world begins.
In 2018, Green School embarked on a transformative journey, converting a dairy farm into a thriving, regenerative campus. Local artisans, driven by respect, passion, and grit, worked hand in hand to bring this vision to life. Caroline Rennie, the Head of School at Green School New Zealand, affirms, “When designing the school, we endeavored to have the lightest environmental footprint possible, employing sustainable materials, regenerative design principles, and local labor to support our community.”
What sets Green School apart is its commitment to inspiring awe and wonder in learners. The school’s buildings intentionally curve and flow, inviting abundant light and offering captivating views of the surrounding nature from every classroom. Take the award-winning Kina building, for instance, inspired by the sea urchin. It’s a biophilic-inspired masterpiece designed to enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being – a pioneering benchmark for the future of learning facilities.
Caroline Rennie explains, “We could have built it out of traditional materials, but then, what are we modeling for the future? Our campus is intentionally different to help our learners break free from conventional thinking about schools or buildings.” She envisions a future where every aspect of Green School, from sourcing food to energy generation, demonstrates a more hopeful path.
Green School understands the science behind our surroundings, employing principles of environmental psychology. As Rennie puts it, “Every shape, pattern, and texture in our environment influences our thoughts and actions.” The round shapes and open spaces at Green School make everyone feel safer, more relaxed, and infinitely more creative – a perfect environment for the Green School way of learning.
Caroline Rennie, Head of School
Blending Nature and Education
Nestled on what was once grazing land just outside New Plymouth, Green School is a vibrant tapestry of nature and education. The campus, meticulously replanted with native species, is crisscrossed by the Ōakura River, offering students a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world. It’s a place where the environment isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the curriculum.
The school boasts native forest areas (ngahere), a small wetland, lush gardens, and even a tropo-house (greenhouse). Caroline Rennie emphasizes,
“We make the most of our natural surroundings with our nature immersion program, Taiao Rumaki. On these special days, our youngest learners spend their entire school day outdoors, engaging in structured activities and free play. It’s all about nurturing our innate connection with nature and embracing the Te Ao Māori concept of tuakana teina.”