Piwakawaka Stream Health Survey

 We have been learning about water quality and how it impacts on stream health. We surveyed two streams in the local area. One was in a forest and the other had recently had a slip run down it.  We put out fish traps the night before but were not lucky enough to catch anything. Some of the tasks we completed were a survey of the macro invertebrate populations, the speed of the water, water clarity and temperature, and the composition of the stream bed. We wer e supported by Rhianna from Landcare Trust and Zoe from Enviroschools.

Enviroschools Camp

 THe Year 5 and 6 Crusaders attended an Enviroschools camp at the Arahura Marae last week. Our school along with others all along the Coast.  We had a great time: gathering first for a powhiri, then playing "Who am I?",  and later having an evening talk in the whare about the images that stood around us and stories associated with those carvings. 

The next day it was an early start to t head down to the river mouth to check the nets set the night before.  We were able to see inanga, tuna,  and bullies. 

After breakfast we then went to look at native plants that have traditional beneficial properties for people. then it was a off to look at the wonderful plantings along the Arahura River to discuss why plants are chosen and how being planted adjoining farmed areas benefits them and the river.

It was back to the Marae and we quickly potted some seedlings. Potting seedlings is a quick way to get lots on plants to a reasonable size.

After lunch we had a reflection on our learning. After the poroporoaki we headed off back to our various schools

Piwakawaka Planting

 Scratch, scratch, scratch the shovels scratched the long grass away from the soil. We are digging holes for the plants we had donated to the class, thanks Mrs Phelps. These are all native plants that included little rimu trees, lancewood, toetoe, broadleaf and mahoe.

It is nice to think that in years to come we will be able to see the results and there will be more habitat for the insects. 

To plant you need to loosen the soil around where the plant is to go in, dig a hole slightly deeper than the root  ball, place the plant in the hole and refill it with dirt. Finally you have to compact the soil around the plant root to ensure it stays straight.

We will need to make sure that the long grass is kept away from the plant so it does not get suffocated.

Sustainable Planting

 On Friday Weka and Weka Tēina planted some kōwhai seeds. 

We wanted to do some sustainable planting. This means that we could use seeds from plants that we found in our own school gardens.

We spent some time with the tamariki in Piwakawaka collecting seeds from trees around our school and then seperating them from their pods. 

First, we had to put them in boiling water for 24 hours because the shell was too hard and it needed to soften. 

In peers, we got a seedling tray and we filled each little part halfway with soil. 

Then we got 2 kōwhai seeds and put them in each part. 

Next, we put more soil over the top of the kōwhai seeds. 

We then made sure the seeds were in the sun and gave them some water. 

Assembly Presentation

 Rhys from the Kaniere Crusaders gave an update on the Enviroschools activities the group had engaged in so far this term.

If you would like to catch up with what the leaders have been up to just follow the link to our presentation.

Enviroschools Leadership Afternoon

On Thursday three of our leaders: Lizzie, Rhys and Lincoln went to the Enviroschools Leadership Day. We explored what it meant to be a leader, play games, and shared projects we have worked on. Rhys presented our Blue Fish Project.  We then collected seed in the grounds of Hokitika Primary School. 

 It was a great afternoon, our thanks to Hokitika Primary for hosting us. It was fantastic to meet up with the other Enviroschools, Ms Watson and Sarah from Buller.

Meet the Enviro Leaders 2021

 We have a new team leading Enviro schools at Kaniere for 2021. Lizzie is our new chair, Lincoln is timekeeper, Rhys is on communications and Haki is our new scribe. We welcome our new members Koghan, Zack and Bede who will be supporting our leaders and be in training to step up to roles next year. Great to have you all aboard, looks like we are going to have lots of fun.

Our new flag

 Well, what a way to start off the new year. Lizzie from our Enviro group proudly shows off the Enviroschools flag that takes pride of place outside our office. Thank you to Enviroschools for donating the flag.