Green School New Zealand co-founders Michael and Rachel Perrett at Westminster Abbey for the launch of the book 'The Commonwealth at 75'. Photo: Supplied
Taranaki's Green School is the only New Zealand organisation to feature in a book celebrating 75 years of the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth at 75 showcases examples of leadership, innovation and development across its 56 nations and is being released to coincide with the organisation's formation in 1949.
Green School New Zealand co-founders Rachel and Michael Perrett have just returned from attending the book's launch at Westminster Abbey in London.
Michael Perrett said it was a great honour for the school, which has about 100 students, to be included in the publication.
"It was a huge privilege and incredible validation for all those who have been involved in creating Green School New Zealand's success over the past four years."
Green School's distinctive pod-style classrooms featured prominently in the book, with a two-page spread highlighting its contribution education and sustainability.
Michael Perrett said he and wife Rachel had been invited to take part in an online interview with King Charles' biographer and royal correspondent, Robert Jobson, and were pleasantly surprised to hear they had been included in the book.
He thought the school, which is nestled alongside the Kaitake range near Ōākura, had been noticed because of its innovation and its future-focussed style of education.
"We attracted the attention of other schools that were there [at the book launch] that were well over 100 years old with tens of thousands of students.
"I think our faculty and curriculum are the envy of many educationalists whose dream is to teach what they want and how they want."
"We are able to do what everybody is talking about. We know that early childhood learners do better surrounded by nature, learning through play for example and we are simply doing what everybody else is talking about."
Michael Perrett said he hoped inclusion in the book would boost the private school's profile.
"We really hope that it highlights the difference we are making, the innovation that we are bringing to education. In particular our newly approved high school diploma that allows our students to enter many many schools around the world [and] universities around New Zealand."
Rachel Perrett said it was incredible to celebrate the occasion alongside like-minded individuals and organisations from around the globe.
"Everyone at the event shared a common goal in wanting to create a world that is more sustainable. Some of the conversations we shared were exceptionally motivating and gave us a renewed sense of purpose in what we are doing here in Taranaki."
She said it was a privilege to be noticed from as far away as the UK, especially within circles that had traditionally followed conventional schooling models.
"It's confirmation that our small ripples are starting to create waves in certain circles. That goes a long way to cementing our belief that what we are doing and creating is critical for the future. We look forward to returning home to share this with our community."
Green School is part of a global network of private schools dedicated to redefining education through a regenerative, innovative, student-centred approach.
Its curriculum emphasises environmental consciousness, community engagement, and experiential learning that aims to cultivate changemakers who are prepared to lead in a modern and sustainable way.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.