Left: Hayden and James Reed with their Eco-Action Environment Award.
In 2023, David was himself recognised with a Civic Award from the Christchurch City Council for his outstanding service. He was acknowledged as the “creator and driving force” behind the Eco-Action Nursery Trust. Founded in 2016, the trust supports schools, students, and local people to restore the natural environment and develop more sustainable lifestyles. The same year, Eco-Action won the Sustainable Business Network Outstanding Collaboration Award. Eco-Action – supported by College students
Edward, at Government House in 2023. Students’ environmental work – under the guidance of David and Graeme – is a strong element of achievement for the Hillary Award and the Christ’s College Diploma. David points out that the trust has now “set up 30 satellite nurseries in schools and alongside community groups”. “To date, those satellite nurseries have contributed 20,764 volunteer hours growing plants. In 2023, 60,000 plants were propagated – doubling the number grown the previous years.” Volunteers from schools and local communities then plant the trees. In total, they have contributed more than 8,000 hours and planted 44,350 trees. Among the sites to benefit and flourish are Christchurch’s earthquake-hit red zone and the QEII Adventure Nature Trail. Already, those initial trees are producing seed to be collected in order to grow more plants. And the Eco-Action approach is spreading, with student leaders
from across New Zealand “getting their hands dirty” during a Head Boys conference hosted by College. “It was great to dig in at the College-based nursery alongside young leaders from all around the country, hopefully ‘sowing the seeds’ for more schools to host Eco-Action programmes,” College Head of Boarding Franklin Barry explains. David adds that “alongside the physical activity, Eco-Action students develop the skills to seek funding for our projects, putting their requests to local community boards and the Christchurch City Council”. “They can also take the steps to greater leadership on the environment and enhance their own horticultural and sustainability knowledge,” he says. “By combining these skills, they are empowered to drive change and lift their commitment to eco-conscious living. Put simply, planting trees is one of the best ways to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and tackle the worsening climate crisis.”
and the wider Canterbury community – continues to
‘cultivate partnerships and grow large areas of native forest’. In turn, these areas ‘sequester carbon and provide food and habitat to attract native birds’. David, alongside College teacher Graeme Christey, were also recognised for their commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award and their empowerment of student achievement and service at a special function with The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince
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