Mararoa tamariki become kaitiaki of their awa
Environment Southland Land Sustainability Officer Jess Agate working with Mararoa School students
Tamariki from Mararoa School took part in a powerful hands-on learning experience during term 2 focused on the health of their local awa, the mighty Mararoa River.
With support from Environment Southland educators Jess and Josh, students explored the interconnectedness of people, place and waterways through an Enviroschools lens of learning for sustainability.
Before heading to the river, students investigated the impact humans can have on freshwater ecosystems. They learned about the growing issue of microplastics in our environment and discovered practical actions we can take to care for our waterways — including planting natives, protecting wetlands, and preventing the spread of didymo by cleaning footwear between waterways.
At the awa, tamariki became scientists and environmental stewards, measuring water clarity, temperature and river health, while examining macroinvertebrates as indicators of a thriving ecosystem. Through experiential learning, students deepened their understanding of how the Mararoa River flows from the Livingstone Mountains, joins the Waiau River, and eventually reaches Te Waewae Bay near Tuatapere.
This learning experience encouraged tamariki to think critically about sustainability and strengthened their role as kaitiaki for the future of our local environment.
