Enviroschools across the motu have benefited from the emerging relationship with Junior Landcare (a NZ Landcare and Bupa Foundation partnership) through engagement in local projects.
Students from Tapanui school help plant in the wetland.
This year, Junior Landcare has been collaborating through intergenerational nature restoration projects involving initiatives such as native tree planting, ecological monitoring, wetland restoration, and pest control. These projects also feature activities designed to foster mental and physical well-being, engaging Bupa residents and youth in meaningful action.
Creating a sustainable community involves developing projects and practices that support the whole living system of which the Enviroschool is a part. To work in this holistic way, we need to bring together a range of different insights and skills. Partnerships between Enviroschools, tangata whenua, community groups and agencies can play an important role in a long-term programme, making the most of people’s time, energy and resources to generate synergistic outcomes. Genuine partnerships involve identifying shared goals and appreciating the particular skills, expertise and contributions that different people and groups can offer.
Monitoring life in the waterway.
Contributing to the Waipahi wetland restoration.
Effective partnerships are based on understanding each other’s perspectives, establishing commonalities, having a shared kaupapa and good communication. This can be lead to mutual enrichment, with all parties contributing, benefiting, and setting aside time to reflect on change and celebrate together!
Below are some of the videos Junior Landcare have provided in this spirit of collaboration and celebration.
You can also read about the Bioblitz at Grovetown Lagoon here
If you would like to find out more about working in partnership with Enviroschools you can enquire here.