This winter marked the exciting launch of "Nature’s Classroom" a groundbreaking environmental education programme hosted by The Y Camp Adair, in collaboration with Counties Energy. The initiative offers tamariki a transformative experience, moving traditional classroom learning into the outdoors for immersive, hands-on engagement with the natural world.

Nature’s Classroom integrates practical activities designed to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and foster a deep-rooted sense of kaitiakitanga - guardianship and care for the environment. Key activities include "Terrific Trees," where students actively participate in planting native species along the Wairoa River, and "Stream Scientists," a programme introducing young learners to freshwater ecology.

Located near the picturesque Hunua Ranges Regional Park, The Y Camp Adair has long been a leader in outdoor education, welcoming more than 20,000 students annually. The introduction of Nature’s Classroom significantly enhances the camp’s environmental education offerings, enabling participants to directly contribute to critical conservation efforts.

The programme forms an integral component of the larger Wairoa River Restoration Project run by The Y - an initiative aimed at mitigating climate change impacts by improving the health of local waterways. Students will engage with important topics such as managing invasive species like crack willow, controlling runoff, reducing sedimentation, and boosting biodiversity through propagating and planting native seedlings.

Counties Energy General Manager Safety, Culture and Sustainability, Tracey Kay, highlights the importance of this collaboration: "We are pleased to support Nature’s Classroom and contribute to meaningful environmental restoration. This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and hands-on learning, ensuring a lasting impact for future generations."

An innovative element of Nature’s Classroom is the establishment of an on-site native plant nursery, funded and supported by Counties Energy. This nursery ensures a consistent, sustainable supply of native seedlings, critical to ongoing restoration and biodiversity projects.

Dave Lockwood, GM Fundraising for The Y Camp Adair, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s launch, stating: "The launch of Nature’s Classroom is an exciting step forward in our commitment to conservation. With Counties Energy’s partnership, we can significantly enhance our restoration efforts, creating lasting benefits for the river, the land, and the communities who cherish them."

Due to overwhelming interest, the initial pilot programme offered to five schools in 2025 is already fully booked. By the end of Term 3, students will have contributed to planting thousands of native trees and plants along the Wairoa River and its surrounding catchment, significantly advancing local environmental restoration goals.