Pupil's innovation wins award

Tommy Long. Photo / Paul Estcourt

A plan to inspire young students to speak out about the environment has won Tommy Long, 15, a visit from two cabinet ministers, an award and donation of native trees to his school.

The year 11 student at Botany Downs Secondary College created a set of environmental awards given to students who raised awareness of environmental problems in their area.

The awards are now given out in each of the school's six whanau groupings for simple initiatives such as bringing plants to school or encouraging people to look after the local reserve.

His efforts won him one of nine Green Ribbon Awards for protecting the environment, announced on Friday by Environment Minister Nick Smith. Dr Smith and fellow cabinet minister Pansy Wong visited the school and helped Tommy plant a tree.