Schools can help to save our NZ butterflies and moths
Encouraging Action through the MBNZT/Daltons Award
Schools have a chance to win a $200 Daltons Product Prize Pack each term, ensuring their gardens flourish and provide the best habitat for NZ's butterflies and moths.
This initiative isn’t just about conservation - it’s a brilliant way to integrate learning across the school curriculum. A butterfly garden or habitat can inspire activities in language, art, health and physical education, mathematics, science, technology, music, and drama. It serves as a vibrant outdoor classroom, opening up endless opportunities for creativity and discovery. You can read more about this in the Education Gazette.
Nurturing Young Minds and a Greener Future
Environmental education fosters critical and creative thinking skills while inspiring children to connect with their communities. In schools, it helps students understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives.
Bringing Biodiversity to Life
One of the key issues environmental education tackles is the loss of biodiversity. What better way to ignite children’s curiosity, help them grasp the concept of biodiversity, and encourage a sense of care for the environment than by creating a butterfly garden or habitat?
As Bianca Woyak, winner of the 2021 Prime Minister’s Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaako Pūtaiao Science Teacher’s Prize, explains: “It’s a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem-solving and take action to improve the environment in their own backyard.” This hands-on approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and equips them with the skills to make informed, responsible decisions.
Discovering NZ’s Native Butterflies
When people hear “butterfly garden,” many immediately think of planting swan plants for monarch butterflies. However, NZ’s stunning native butterfly species deserve just as much attention! Many Kiwis are unaware of the plants needed to attract and support these native species or the ideal conditions for creating thriving butterfly habitats.
Ready to inspire your students and make a difference? Download the application form below and submit it to be considered for the next award. We can’t wait to hear from you and see the incredible habitats you create!
A huge thank you to Daltons for their continued support in making this award possible - it’s initiatives like this that pave the way for a brighter, greener future.
School Butterfly Award Application Form
Permission Slip (for caregiver/s)
