Kuratau School
In 2022 we joined Kuratau School for the first time at their Wai Whenua, wetland day. The children got to learn about pests and trapping from Predator Free Taupo, make model wetlands with Project Tongariro Mahi Aroha, learn about wetland wildlife and macroinvertebrates from Department of Conservation and learn about why wetlands are important from Kids Greening Taupo. We also potted up some tī kōuka seedlings and looked for bugs. Then we went for a hikoi around the school's wetland project and got caught in a hail storm! We finished the day with a BBQ and the most incredible haka from the students. It was an awesome day to be part of!
In 2023, we joined Kuratau School again for their Wai Whenua Day, this time supporting the planting in their amazing repo/wetland restoration project. The wetland is on the farm beside the school, right on their back doorstep. They have a whole school planting day each year and maintain it the rest of the year. They check their trapline through it weekly, regularly catching rats, rabbits and ferrets. We loved planting with them and helping put some of the 500+ plants in the ground. We did get caught in a sudden downpour and left wet and muddy, but that's what wetland planting is all about!
In 2024 for their annual Waiwhenua Day. We ran sessions with all of the tamariki about why wetlands are important and did some hands on experiments with them. They learnt how wetlands act like a sponge, slowing down water and filtering it. They also learnt about how plants can stop erosion by providing cover for bare soil and holding it together with their roots. Then we all went for a walk around their amazing school wetland and checked it out! It was great to see other local experts like Didymo Dave and Jenni from Waikato Enviroschools there running sessions too. What a fantastic day of learning!
In 2025 we again attended the Wai Whenua Day. This time we focused on freshwater biosecurity, speaking to the tamariki about the invasive clams that threaten our lake. They learnt how to tell the difference between our native kākahi and the invasive clams.
