Zayed Global Sustainability Prize

We are excited to share that Te Pā o Rākaihautū has been named a finalist in the Global High Schools category of the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize, selected from 5,980 submissions across 156 countries. This recognition highlights the innovative work of our students in Te Pā’s Puku Māra project. Translating roughly to "digestive gardens," this project places soil at the centre of several kaitiaki (earth stewardship) practices. These practices are woven together to work harmoniously in service of our community and treasured environments. This weaving is inspired by our tūpuna (ancestors) and their collective ways of life. It is kotahitanga (unity) in action. Simultaneously, Puku Māra is creating employment for our whānau, generating food sovereignty, restoring habitats, eliminating waste, protecting our communities from climate change and sustaining Māori knowledge … and the list goes on! Perhaps most importantly it is returning students and their families to deep connection with the taiao (natural world).

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s leading award for innovative solutions to global challenges, focuses on impact across areas like clean energy, food security, and environmental sustainability. Our Puku Māra project represents a unique blend of indigenous knowledge and sustainability, perfectly aligning with the Prize’s vision of leveraging innovation to tackle global challenges.

Two students and a teacher will be flown to Abu Dhabi in January 2025 for the awards ceremony during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, but we hope to send all eight senior students who have been leading this project, along with two additional staff members. We estimate that it will cost approximately NZD $5,500 per person for travel, accommodation, and food for the week ($NZD44,500 total). We are seeking sponsorship to help make this dream a reality for our full team.

By attending, our students will not only represent Te Pā o Rākaihautū and our Puku Māra project but also gain invaluable exposure to global conversations and innovations that they can bring back to our community. And yes, the traveling group will be planting extra native trees!

Your support can help make this journey a reality for our students. Thank you for being part of our sustainability journey!

Any questions then reach out to  [email protected] at Te Pā o Rākaihautū or [email protected] who are supporting Te Pā o Rākaihautū who are managing the admin for donations. 

Read more here: Te Pā article and City Care Council article