Kaitiakitanga – Environmental Service Days 

As part of our Duke of Edinburgh programme at Wesley College, we are running a programme of environmental service days with our Year 10 students. Working alongside a local landcare group, Whakaupoko Landcare, students are spending at least one day each term in their local environment helping to clear invasive plant species, plant native trees and shrubs and create trails for the local community to use. 

Many of our students are disconnected from the whenua and have very little knowledge of native plants and birds. This is an opportunity for them to get their hands into the earth, to learn about their local environment and its history, and to make a difference to both the community and to the future of our planet. 

These photos are from last week’s planting session with 10WJ at Belmont Rise, Pukekohe. All the students agreed it would be great to see the same spot in a couple of years time to see how much their planting has changed the area.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wNcTT1U2g89hnzw47

Today Tuesday, Ms Ah-Sam and 10WO have braved the showers to clear weeds such as Flannel Leaf and plant Puriri Trees at Mauku Stream near Patumahoe. They will also be learning a bit about the history of the area particularly the local conflicts during the New Zealand Wars. 

Next week, 10WH will be out on Wednesday at Taihiki Estuary, Waiau Pa and then on the 27th 10WN will have their turn at the summit of Pukekohe Hill. 

They are able to use these days as their service element for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

Please feel free to ask them about their experiences.

Ngaa mihi
Mrs Charlotte Saunders