🌍 Welcome to Earthminds
Where youth tackle climate challenges—and learn what it really takes to make change.
Earthminds is a hands-on innovation program for high school students in Nelson, New Zealand. Over 16 weeks, students form teams, partner with real-world mentors, and work on bold, locally grounded climate and environmental challenges.
What’s Happening Now
Our current cohort wraps up on 24 June 2025, with six youth-led teams tackling big problems and testing real solutions. Their projects focus on:
  • 🌊 Water pollution from forestry
  • 🐚 Marine biodiversity restoration
  • 🥦 Reducing food waste
  • 💻 E-waste habits and behaviour change
  • 👕 Fast fashion and clothing reuse
  • 📦 Packaging and plastic waste
Each team is experimenting, learning from setbacks, and shaping ideas that could grow into real impact in their communities.
Want to see what they’ve been up to? Join us for the Final Showcase event or follow along on Youtube.
The progress so far:
Term 2 beginnings
The midpoint showcase!
Summary of Term 1
Week 3
Week 2
Kick off!
Thanks to our supportive partners:
📌 What is Earthminds?
Earthminds is a free 16-week after-school program where students collaborate, innovate, and prototype solutions for real-world climate challenges.
First cohort started Tuesday 25th February 2025
Real Climate Challenges
Work on meaningful problems impacting our planet.
Professional Mentorship
Get guided by industry experts.
Hands-On Innovation
Develop, test, and pitch real solutions.
Internships & Networking
Connect with startups and NGOs.
Pitch Events
Present ideas to stakeholders & funders.
📢 How to Join – Register Now!
Eligibility
Open to high school students in Nelson, aged 13-16.
You're committed, and open to learning.
Simple Sign-Up
Just sign up on Eventbrite here and get more information.
Free to participate, but a $50 deposit refundable on completion.
Important Dates
Applications close: Tuesday 18 February 2025
Program starts: Tuesday 25 February 2025
Take the first step to making an impact.
Registration closed - program currently in progress
💡 What Kind of Challenges Will We Tackle?
🌱 Food Waste Reduction
Creating solutions to cut down food waste in schools & homes.
🏙️ Rewilding Cities
Bringing nature back to urban spaces with new designs & technologies.
⚡ Energy Efficiency in Homes
Making homes more climate-friendly with smart innovations.
🌊 Waterway Restoration
Addressing pollution & improving local rivers and streams.
🚲 Sustainable Transport
Rethinking how we move around our cities with eco-friendly options.
These are just a few of the challenges!
Discover the detailed climate innovation challenges you could work on here.
📅 Program Outline – What You'll Do Over 16 Weeks
1
🌍 Term 1 – Learning, Research & Pitching (Weeks 1-10)
  1. Kickoff Week – Introduction to Earthminds, meet the mentors, form teams.
  1. Exploring Climate Challenges – Research & connect with host organizations.
  1. Problem-Solving Workshops – Brainstorming and developing solutions.
  1. Building Early Concepts – Developing ideas into actionable projects.
  1. Guest Speakers & Site Visits – Learn from real-world innovators.
  1. Creating a Business Case – Understanding how to make ideas viable.
  1. Pitch Prep & Rehearsals – Learning storytelling & communication skills.
  1. Nelson Council's 'Dragon's Den' – Watch how climate pitches are done!
  1. Final Presentations – Present your ideas to experts & stakeholders.
  1. Break & Reflection – Assess learnings and prepare for the next stage.
2
🛠️ Term 2 – Prototyping & Real-World Testing (Weeks 11-16)
  1. Prototype Development – Building early-stage solutions.
  1. Testing in the Real World – Getting feedback & refining ideas.
  1. Mentorship & Support – Learning from industry experts.
  1. Finalizing Your Projects – Preparing your best work.
  1. Pitch Night! – Showcasing to stakeholders, investors, and the public.
  1. Reflection & Celebration – What worked, what didn't, and what's next?
👥 Who is Earthminds For?
Students Who Want To…
Work on real-world problems
Get hands-on experience in sustainability & innovation
Meet inspiring experts & mentors
Build leadership & teamwork skills
Gain confidence in pitching & public speaking
Make a tangible impact in their community
No prior experience needed! If you're curious, driven, and ready to take action, Earthminds is for you.
🎓 What Will You Learn?
Climate & Sustainability Knowledge
Understand real challenges and solutions.
Innovation & Problem-Solving Skills
Learn to think like an entrepreneur.
Communication & Pitching Skills
How to tell your story and persuade others.
Hands-On Prototyping
Bring ideas to life through experimentation.
Teamwork & Leadership
Learn to work in high-performing teams.
Industry Exposure & Networking
Meet real experts & future employers.
The skills you build here go far beyond the classroom – they'll help shape your future as a changemaker!
🌟 What to Expect – The Earthminds Experience
Weekly hands-on sessions (~2 hours per week).
Exciting field visits, guest speakers & workshops.
A supportive, action-oriented learning environment.
A chance to showcase your ideas at a professional pitch night.
Potential internship & networking opportunities.
A real impact on the planet!
🌍 Who's Behind Earthminds?
Earthminds is led by a passionate team of educators, innovators, and climate advocates who believe in empowering young people to make a difference.
Supported by: Ministry of Inspiration, local startups, environmental NGOs, and business mentors.
🚀 Example of Outcomes – Where Can This Lead?
Real-World Prototypes
Ideas that turned into actual projects.
Internships & Scholarships
Connections leading to further opportunities.
University & Career Benefits
A standout experience for applications & CVs.
Ongoing Community Projects
Ideas that keep growing beyond Earthminds.
📚 Resources – Learn More About Climate Innovation
Planetary Boundaries & Sustainability
Our framework for climate innovation
Key Climate Change Videos
Local & Global Climate Organizations
🔗 Call to Action – Register Now & Spread the Word!
📧 Get in Touch with Earthminds
Have questions about the Earthminds program? We're here to help! Reach out to our team for more information about upcoming sessions, partnerships, or how you can get involved.
Program Information
Email us at earthmindsnz@gmail.com for questions about the curriculum or schedule.
Partnership Inquiries
Interested in supporting Earthminds? Contact earthmindsnz@gmail.com.
Mentor Applications
Industry experts can apply to mentor by emailing earthmindsnz@gmail.com.