A burst of activity for our native wetlands in Ōtākou has seen a growing number of Enviroschools ākonga take meaningful action to protect and restore our region’s wetlands – some of New Zealand’s most vital yet threatened ecosystems. From planting native plants to monitoring water quality, these young environmental leaders are rolling up their sleeves to ensure these rich habitats can thrive for generations to come.
With over 90% of New Zealand’s wetlands being cleared and drained in the last 150 years, the hands-on efforts from Enviroschools ākonga not only enhances biodiversity but also deepens their understanding of sustainability and kaitiakitanga, the te ao Māori principle of guardianship over the natural world. Wetlands are important environmental filters, filtering pollutants, absorbing floodwaters and providing homes for a diverse range of plant and animal species. Enviroschools ākonga, alongside key community partners like the Otago Catchment Community and NZ Landcare Trust, are taking action through regular restoration days and ongoing environmental monitoring.
“Our native planting at Shotover Wetlands has been in place since 2016 and has gone from strength to strength. We have also implemented monitoring projects led by the Year 7 and 8 Enviro Team, who then teach and share these experiences with younger students.” Shotover School Key Kaiako
This year, Enviroschools ākonga from Queenstown Primary, Alexandra Primary, Shotover School, Clutha Valley Primary and East Taieri School – to name just a few – have been gaining real-world skills and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of people and nature. Their actions in wetlands are showing that meaningful environmental change can begin in the classroom – and ripple out into the wider community. Many schools involved in their local wetlands are doing so in an ongoing capacity. Shotover School involves all Year 4-8 ākonga for their local Shotover wetland, so by the end of their schooling, ākonga will have planted dozens of plants during their time at school. They’ve done so well, they’re moving on to other local wetlands to keep up the momentum.
Ākonga from Alexandra Primary School identify different macro-invetebrates at Orkney wetlands
Clutha Valley Primary and Waitahuna School were so inspired by an Enviroschools hui at Waipahi wetlands in Clutha in November last year, that they both came back in February this year as a whole school to learn more about the wetlands. Over 100 ākonga were there, with some as young as 5, and they were all able to investigate tuna habitats, search for macro-invertebrates and learn more about the history of the wetland prior to European settlement, in a day that has continued to inspire both schools in their sustainability journey.
Ākonga from Clutha Valley Primary watch as tuna is released into the Waipahi wetlands
This powerful day was supported by a range of community partners including landowners Gerard and Ann Vallely; Shane Bocock, project manager of the wetlands and Nicole Foote from Junior Landcare who provided funding for the event.
“It is really empowering for the students to be out in their local community, making it cleaner and sustainable for all those wishing to engage with the beautiful environment we live in.” Scott Martin, Clutha Enviroschools Facilitator
As well as wetland restoration days, Enviroschools are getting involved in planting days alongside important rivers. Macraes Moonlight and Waikouaiti School were invited by Otago Regional Council to a planting day at Te Hakapupu | Pleasant River at the end of last year, where they learnt about catchments and planted hundreds of native plants that feed into the wetlands around the Pleasant River estuary. This riparian planting helps stabilise riverbanks, reduce erosion, and filter out pollutants before they reach the wetlands — improving water quality and creating healthier habitats for wildlife. Enviroschools like Waiwera South, Warepa and Rosebank School in Clutha have been involved in planting events alongside their rivers for so long that some of the plants are now higher than the ākonga!
Through their dedication to wetland restoration and riparian planting, Enviroschools students in Ōtākou are making a tangible difference to the health of their local environment. More than that, they are developing a deep sense of environmental responsibility and connection to place — skills and values that will guide them well into the future. As they continue their work, these young people offer a hopeful example of how communities can come together to care for the natural world, one wetland at a time.
Ākonga from Queenstown Primary School set up a pest trap at Matakauri wetland
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