Carterton's South End School’s solar dream to become reality
Becoming a solar powered school was a pipeline goal for South End School and overnight has become a reality thanks to Genesis’ School-gen Trust. The grant aligns with the schools commitment to teaching sustainability and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
South End School is one of seven schools to receive STEM equipment from the School-gen Trust’s second round of funding and was the only school granted solar panels. The remaining six schools will receive a $5,000 grant to put towards STEM teaching resources.
School-gen Trust selected South End School based on their efforts in teaching sustainability, with the entire school implementing projects that use STEM resources and applying these to real life projects.
We engaged the entire school to research and design their own dream eco-building, it was really great to see the student’s creativity come to life as well as enhance their interest in STEM, South End School Principal Clare Crawford says.
“We are a partner of the charity, Te Kura O Papatuanuku Wairarapa Earth Schools, they come into the school and provide project-based learning where students develop skills in sustainability, science, engineering and mathematics through garden-based learning.
‘’The addition of the solar package creates further opportunity for students to take ownership of their hands-on STEM sustainability learning within each Te Kura O Papatuanuku project,’’ says Crawford.
Ensuring future generations are provided with the best education possible, is especially important with New Zealand’s growing reliance on STEM skills in the workforce, Vanessa Sorenson, School-gen Trust Chair says.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53% Human-centred experience and communication
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15.7% Critical thinking
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28.8% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
SHOP LOCAL THIS WEEKEND - FARMERS MARKET SOLWAY SHOWGROUNDS JUDDS ROAD MASTERTON
Come along to our Farmers Market & Crafts held EVERY Saturday Rain or Shine
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG FOR MORNING TEA AND COFFEE, AND HAVE A BROWSE AROUND OUR WONDERFUL MARKET
HOT OFF THE PRESS:
DANIEL’S SPUDS Agria potatoes freshly dug this week.
WHAREMUKU ORCHARD is back this week also.
FRESH LOCAL VEGES also for sale
THE CLAREVILLE BAKERY with all our customer favourites.
And of course, there is always lots on offer: Hot Food, fresh Coffee, Fresh Vege stall, Yummy Honey, fresh bread to name just a few.
We have a fabulous array of creative gifts on display and available for purchase.
wooden toys, embroidered tea towels, olive oil, Crocheted toys, woollen items to mention just a few
We even have live music to get your toes tapping and we are always ready for a friendly chat. For a great day out or an early morning visit we have something for everyone.
We have a new Facebook page:
Wairarapa Farmers Market 2025 - have a look and view our newsletter for this week, or alternatively sign up to receive the newsletter into your inbox.
We also have a Eftpos terminal where you can access cash for your Farmers Market purchases. Come and have a look, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised.
Look forward to seeing you.
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