Kia ora koutou,

As we approach term four we are seeing an increase in water quality enquires, so if you are keen to learn more about water quality, or want to run your own stream study using our Waiora Stream Study kits then register to attend one our workshops by Friday 1st November (full details below).

If you are stuck for ideas for the school holidays, make sure to come along to our Tōtara Reserve Open Day on Saturday 12th October.

And there is a reminder below about some of our funding opportunities we have available.

Mā te wā

Sarah & Christina

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Community Planting at Ahimate Reserve

Students from Riverdale, Awapuni and Takaro schools took part in a community planting at Ahimate Reserve in Palmerston North last term. They joined residents from Bupa Riverstone Retirement Village, NZ Landcare Trust, Ahimate Reserve Community, Palmerston North City Council and Horizons Regional Council.

Together they planted 1000 native plants over two days, including oioi wetland reeds, ti kōuka (cabbage trees) and tōtara.

The days consisted of planting, followed by education rotations where students learnt more about the reserve, pest plants and methods of removal for tradescantia, connections between fungi and trees in a forest, looking at what macroinvertebrates live in the awa and a scavenger hunt.

Kai pai te mahi

Students explore Bushy Park for Conservation Week

This year Conservation Week ran from 2nd -8th September. The theme was "take a moment to act for nature".

Schools from the Whanganui District visited Bushy Park over the week to learn about the ngahere and what taonga native flora and fauna you can find here.

Students learnt about what tools and skills a DOC ranger uses in their job, how to repot seedlings and install plant protectors. They went on a local guided walk through the ngahere hearing stories of the native world, and heard local pūrākau. Students also checked out tracking tunnels to identify pest animal tracks and went on a scavenger hunt in search of fungi.

Together with the Department of Conservation, we supported the week by providing bus transport for students to get to one of the iconic sites in our region.

ENVIROSCHOOLS

Congratulations to......

Opiki School for reflecting at Bronze in term three.

Tino pai 💚

New Enviroschools

A warm welcome to Kiwitea School and Mill Street Early Learning Centre who have joined the Enviroschools Programme last term. 💚

Ngahere Friyay at Mangaweka School

Ngahere Friyay is a weekly forest school programme for the students at Mangaweka School. It involves the whole school spending an an entire day, every Friday through terms one and four to learn more about this special ecosystem.

Students delve into deepening their knowledge on local flora & fauna, invertebrates, fungi, birdlife, animal and plant pest control, restoration practices and connecting to their local awa. They also learn practical skills such as carving, whittling, hut and fire building.

Te Ao Māori perspectives are woven into everything they do here and includes support from local community members to to enhance and empower students.

Through our Pat Kelly Enviroschools Action Fund they were able to purchase a variety of resources and materials to strengthen their learning. Teachers have seen students confidence and perseverance grow over the terms in developing new skills in this rich natural environment.

IDEAS & RESOURCES

Tōtara Reserve Open Day 2024

You won't want to miss the Tōtara Reserve Open Day for 2024.

Come join us for a free family-friendly day to learn all things Tōtara Reserve. Complete an activity card for a goodie bag a chance to win two free nights camping this season.

Bus transport is available from Palmerston North, Ashhurst and Feilding at a cost of $5 per adult (children under 14yrs are free) To book and find out more head here. Bus tickets are on sale till Tuesday 8 October.

Waiora Stream Study Teacher Workshops

We are offering FREE workshops in November to support teachers in all things water quality. The aim of these workshops is to explore water quality issues in NZ, discuss examples of how to incorporate water quality in the curriculum, including in secondary, and to learn how to use the Waiora stream kits and safety run a stream study with your students.

To register your interest, please email

*** Workshops will run subject to numbers and weather ***

Funding Opportunities

Don't forget to check out our funding opportunities for 2024/2025.

Horizons Environmental Education Grant
Horizons Environmental Education Transport Fund

Zero Waste Month

Can you reduce your waste this October?

Zero Waste Month is an annual global campaign to reduce waste.

Take on the challenge, and share zero waste solutions. Find out more here