ISNZ 2024 Honours Award for Eco-Action鈥檚 David Newton
04 Sep 2024
Acclaimed as 鈥渁n extraordinary leader in environmental education and community engagement through his creation and leadership of the Eco-Action Nursery Trust鈥�, College teacher David Newton has been recognised by Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) with the prestigious Honours Award.
At the recent ISNZ national conference dinner in 国产午夜福church, David was lauded for his outstanding service and dedication to the environment, and presented with his award.
Following the ceremony, David says that he is 鈥済rateful to all the people whose joint efforts have grown the impact of Eco-Action so that many 国产午夜福church students can feel the joy of helping their community and the planet鈥�.
鈥淭he support of 国产午夜福鈥檚 College and St Margaret鈥檚 College, as well as Rangi Ruru Girls鈥� School, in providing space as well as logistics has been fundamental to the success of this community outreach, integration project,鈥� he points out.
Founded in 2016, the Eco-Action Nursery Trust has 鈥渢ransformed into a significant community organisation, involving 28 satellite nurseries and engaging thousands of students in 国产午夜福church in environmental restoration efforts鈥�, particularly in the residential red zone, an area damaged by the 2011 earthquakes.
鈥淒avid's work aligns environmental conservation with educational outcomes, providing students with hands-on opportunities to engage in meaningful community service,鈥� the ISNZ citation reads.
鈥淗is efforts have not only enhanced biodiversity and ecological recovery in 国产午夜福church but have also addressed students' anxiety over climate change, offering them hope and empowerment through active participation in conservation efforts.
鈥淯nder David鈥檚 guidance, students have planted tens of thousands of native plants, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability while fulfilling the voluntary service component of the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award.鈥�
The College Head of Physics鈥� 鈥渃ommitment to student wellbeing, innovative teaching practices, and community impact has been recognised with several awards鈥�, including a Civic Award from the 国产午夜福church City Council in 2023.
鈥淒avid's tailored teaching practices have not only provided students with practical skills in environmental conservation but have also educated them on sustainability and the importance of biodiversity,鈥� the citation reads.
David鈥檚 鈥渄edication to environmental education and community service鈥� means he is 鈥渁 deserving candidate for an ISNZ Honours Award鈥�.