This paper reports on a national research project, the first of its kind, that investigated the practice of environmental education in New Zealand schools. The research included a review of New Zealand and international environmental education literature, a survey of nearly two hundred New Zealand schools, and case studies of environmental education practice in eight schools.
In this paper we describe and discuss key features of current practice in environmental education in New Zealand schools. The rewards for teachers, students, schools and the wider school community arising from the implementation of this non-mandatory curriculum subject are highlighted, along with critical supports and constraints on practice.
Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) conference, San Diego, 12-16 April 2004.