Inter-school children’s events provide an exceptional opportunity for Envirogroups and environmental professionals to unite, share knowledge, and inspire across generations.
The Kirikiriroa Conservation Week event was no exception, offering a platform to bring together a wide range of participants and fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and learning. This year’s theme, ‘Take Action for Nature / Mō te taiao te take’ drew together 96 students from 10 Waikato schools for the day at the Kukutaaruhe Gully site of The Fairfield Project.
Passionate educators guided a series of 25-minute, fun, and interactive, experiential activities. Department of Conservation staff (and two conservation dogs) showcased wetland birds using taxidermied specimens and shared captivating conservation stories. Phill Margetts from Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari facilitated a hands-on game where students learned to identify bird bands, while Amy Nooyen from Hamilton City Council provided insight into the Nature in the City pest trapping initiatives.
Learning about the role of conservation dogs.
The Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari activity included learning about bird bands.
Michael Helier from Go Eco supported a popular foraging activity through the meadows behind Fairfield College. Waikato Regional Council staff offered engaging activities related to their new Kauri Protection and Freshwater Guardians programmes. Catherine Cooper from House of Science demonstrated the fascinating process of bumblebee pollination, and Siri Smith from Smart Water highlighted the importance of preserving water.
Hamilton East ākonga experienced wild food foraging, identification and discussions.
Learning about kauri die-back and ways to protect trees when visiting kauri ecosystems.
“Thank you again for the amazing day yesterday – it really was such a special day. My tamariki were buzzing afterwards and loved every minute of it!” – Rachael, Lead Teacher, Bankwood School.
Dissecting owl pellets to learn about their diet.
Te Totara students told the other participants about action projects in their school community.
Bexie Towie from Taiea te Taiao led lively games that illustrated the value of ecological corridors (see banner image). Shannon Campion from Wingspan – the National Bird of Prey Centre – facilitated an enthralling owl pellet (regurgitated, undigested food) dissection activity, uncovering the feeding habits of these incredible birds.
“I loved engaging with the tamariki and networking with passionate likeminded individuals.” – Shannon Campion, Wingspan
Bankwood tamariki learn about bumblebees.
Chris Eames from the University of Waikato and Andrea Soanes from the Science Learning Hub inspired students with discussions on climate action.
After lunch, schools took the opportunity to share the conservation actions they are implementing through a lively ‘soap box’ session.
With so much to explore, students, teachers, and educators left the event feeling energised and motivated to take further action for nature. The feedback from attendees speaks for itself.
Katharyn, Lead Teacher from Te Poi, described the event as “informative, interactive, inspiring, with a great variety of activities. We loved the karakia, rotations, and the opportunity for future school visits.”
Feedback from presenters was equally positive.
“A very well-organised event. The opportunity to engage with multiple local schools in one setting is hugely appreciated. It was great to collaborate with fellow environmental educators and see the wonderful work being done in this space.” – Siri Smith, Smart Water.
The Enviroschools Waikato team were very grateful to be able to hold the event at the Fairfield Project a very special urban biodiversity and gully restoration project centred behind Fairfield College.