Mikaela talks to students about the endemic kōwaro/ Canterbury mudfish.
Over 60 incredible enviro-leaders aged 10 to 12 years from 16 kura across Waitaha connected at Tūhaitara Coastal Park for an exploration of this special place. It was heartening to see so much curiosity, critical thinking, and knowledge in these budding young leaders.
Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust is dedicated to the rehabilitation and management of the 700ha coastal park, which spans from the Waimakariri River to Waikuku Beach. The park is home to many natural features of local, regional, and national importance.
Thanks to Tūhaitara Coastal Park kaimahi, Deane and his team, we collectively planted 400 native plants (see banner image). Mikaela introduced students to the threatened endemic kōwaro/Canterbury mudfish and all its cool peculiarities.
Harvesting harakeke seeds for propagation
Students left with some new knowledge to share back at school which will hopefully inspire action to support a more sustainable school community.
- “We could set some tracking tunnels to see what pests we have in our school and learn more about trapping.”
- “Planting harakeke and making our environment more ‘green’ with natives.”
- “We need to learn more about what plants are suitable at our school to attract pollinators – tui, butterflies and bees.”
Dining out with litterless lunches.