Ready to get started?
Registrations are limited — don’t miss out!
Register your class now and start getting smart with water.
If you have any questions or would like to share how your class is getting on, please get in touch — we’d love to hear from you. hello@smartwater.org.nz
Learn more about the 2026 United Nations theme: Water & Gender
Celebrate United Nations World Water Day 2026 with Smart Water by taking part in a fun, practical classroom challenge that helps students understand the value of water and how to use it wisely.
World Water Day is celebrated globally on 22 March and is all about appreciating water, learning where it comes from, and recognising why it is such a precious resource — especially during summer.
What is the Smart Water Challenge?
The Smart Water Challenge encourages students to reflect on their everyday water use and develop water‑smart habits.
Students choose to complete a water use challenge (for an evening or a day) where they limit how much water they use. By thinking carefully before turning on a tap, students begin to understand:
- how often we rely on water
- how availability affects decision‑making
- how small changes can make a big difference
The challenge helps build lifelong habits and positive attitudes towards water conservation.
What’s included in your World Water Day Kit?
Every registered class will receive a Smart Water United Nations World Water Day Kit, which includes:
- Introductory lesson
A ready-to-use classroom lesson to set the scene and prepare students for their Water Challenge. - Tap Tag‑Outs activity
Waterproof templates for students to create their own Tap Tag‑Outs — reminders placed around taps to encourage mindful water use. - Water Use Challenge
A take‑home activity where students put their learning into action. - Eco‑friendly DIY medals
Materials for each student to create their very own United Nations World Water Day 2026 medal to celebrate their participation.
Competition & Prizes
We’d love to see how your class gets involved!
- Most students participating per school.
- Best classroom photo celebrating UNWWD
- Best medal artwork
Please send photos by class, including student names, to Smart Water.
Major Prize
One lucky school will win an installed rainwater harvesting system, including:
- Two 250‑litre rainwater barrels
- Water collected from the school roof for use in outdoor areas
- A hands‑on session showing students how the system works
- An inspiring talk on water conservation
Best class photo celebrating UNWWD (Class prize)
- 1 winner per district
- Pool passes for whole class
- Smart Water Lesson (includes shower timers/stickers ice block moulds)
- Drink bottle for teacher
- Featured on our website
Best medal artwork (Individual prize)
- 1 winner per district
- Family Pool passes incl hydro-slides
- Smart Water Lesson (includes shower timers/stickers ice block moulds)
- Drink bottle for teacher
- Drink bottle for student.
- Flannel, iceblock mould
- Featured on our website – Picture of each child with medal
How to take part
To register and be in to win:
- Register online
- Complete the Smart Water Challenge activity
- Email photos to hello@smartwater.org.nz by Monday 30 March
- Class photo celebrating World Water Day
- Medal designs
- One email per class entry. Photos to be submitted in jpg only please.
Winners announced
Wednesday 1 April 2026
Registrations are limited — don’t miss out!
Register your class now and start getting smart with water.