Cloverlea School’s sensory space project has been a great success, fully realised in alignment with its original vision. The initiative has significantly increased green space and biodiversity within the school grounds. A wide variety of native species were planted, attracting pollinators and supporting local birdlife. Naturally emerging seedlings, including tōtara, were carefully relocated and nurtured, while additional plants were repurposed from another cleared area of the school—ensuring no loss of existing vegetation.
Creating a circular economy was a key focus throughout the project. Materials from the old pathway and construction debris, such as concrete, were creatively reused in the design of the whare and music wall. This approach not only reduced landfill waste but also modelled sustainable practices for students. Much of the old pathway was recycled, and even the music wall was constructed using repurposed materials, giving new life to what would otherwise have been discarded.
Every class was involved from the beginning—planning, planting, and caring for the space. Each akomanga (classroom) contributed to a section of the sensory pathway, encouraging design thinking, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of inclusivity. Students thoughtfully considered textures, plant choices, and how their section would complement others. This hands-on involvement gave Cloverlea’s LEGENDs a strong sense of ownership, and the space has quickly become a much-loved feature of the school grounds.
The garden is already serving as a living resource for future learning. For example, the Te Waipuna team’s display of tuna (eel) connects to the Whāngai Mokopuna pūrākau, while the Ruahine team explored native birds, linking their learning to both the tomokanga carvings and the species represented in the garden. These examples highlight how the space supports wellbeing, cultural knowledge, environmental understanding, and authentic cross-curricular learning.
Throughout the project, strong connections were made to te ao Māori. Conversations about planting, textures, and design often led to discussions about pūrākau (stories), whakapapa, and kaitiakitanga. The sensory garden was developed alongside the carving of the school’s tomokanga for its 50th anniversary, allowing students to see the connection between the two. Both projects became symbols of belonging, storytelling, and connection—to Papatūānuku, to history, and to each other.
The space also meets a vital community need for a calm, inclusive environment that supports wellbeing and connection to nature. Teachers have observed that students who spend time in the garden are calmer and more ready to engage in learning. Feedback from LEGENDs, staff, and whānau has been overwhelmingly positive. One LEGEND shared how much they enjoyed walking on the path, while another expressed delight in touching and smelling the herbs—small but powerful reflections that show the garden is already fulfilling its purpose of engaging the senses.
The project has created a dedicated space for self-regulation and wellbeing, while also becoming a hub for cultural, environmental, and collaborative learning. It has fostered curiosity, strengthened links to te ao Māori, and deepened the significance of the school’s 50th celebrations. The sensory garden is now a taonga—a treasured space that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of Cloverlea’s students and will continue to enrich learning and wellbeing for years to come.
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