From launching seed bombs to paddling waka on Lake Ngātū, tamariki and rangatahi experienced a day of hands-on learning thanks to the collaborative efforts of Kiwi Can, Ngāti Kahū, and Enviroschools.

On a sunny day this March, Kiwi Can, Ngāti Kahū Social Services and NRC Enviroschools teamed up to deliver a wonderful day packed full of activities centred around our wai (water) at Lake Ngātū.

The event brought together students, teachers, Enviroschools facilitators and community members for a day of learning, fun, and environmental awareness, both on the water and on land.

The event was organised by George Fa'alogo, the regional manager of the Graeme Dingle Foundation Far North, Kylie Kara from Ngāti Kahū Social Services and Nirelle MacDonald from Rangaunu Sports Club.

Kiwi Can is a programme that focuses on teaching life skills and values to young people through fun and interactive activities.

George partnered with Ngāti Kahū Social and Health Services, and the Rangaunu Sports Club, the local waka ama group, to get students out on the water.

George talked about the significance of these educational experiences in fostering a sense of responsibility and care for the environment among the ākonga (students).

“It was also a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Enviroschools. Our leaders often meet the team in some of the schools where both our programmes cross over.”

"Teaching tamariki the appreciation of the importance of keeping our waterways free from pollutants is vital. While they enjoyed themselves, it was a wonderful learning opportunity for them too," George said.

George also emphasised the importance of tamariki learning to look after the land too.

"It's crucial for our tamariki to understand how they can be good kaitiaki on land as well.”

“This is where Enviroschools fits in perfectly, as well as teaching them about how to protect our wai, they provide hands-on activities that also teach them about flora, fauna, wildlife, and the different environments where native species live," George said.

The event was structured with schools divided into two rotations.

While three or four schools participated in the waka activity on the water, others engaged in the land-based activities organised by Enviroschools.

These activities included learning about the bittern and playing the bittern game, making seed bombs with eco-sourced seeds, and a tug of war.

Enviroschools Facilitator, Morag Vasilaki, was delighted with the response to the seed bomb activity:

"The seed bombs, made from shredded paper, clay, and water and filled with manuka, koromiko or Harakeke seeds were a hit.

“The students used slingshots to fire the seed bombs into a local restoration project area. They also took some back to school with instructions for making more if they wished to."

Morag also highlighted the importance of learning about the bittern, a secretive bird that frequents reed beds and marshy areas.

"The bittern is a fascinating bird with its camouflaged plumage and unique call. Teaching the tamariki about the bittern helps them understand the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the diverse species that rely on them," Morag said.

Schools that attended included Ngātaki, Te Hapua, Totara North, Kaingaroa and Oruaiti with about 64 students from Years 4 to 8.

These schools are all part of the Enviroschools kaupapa.

The Lake Ngātū Waka Ama event is an annual highlight, highlighting the strong community involvement and commitment to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability among tamariki and rangatahi.