Caring for Awa, Caring for Each Other – Rekindling Our Connection to Water at Bupa St Andrews
- Natalie Jessup
- Oct 15
- 2 min read
On 14th October, residents of Bupa St Andrews came together for an Awhi Awa workshop, led by Natalie Jessup, GM of the Endangered Species Foundation. The focus was on how we can all help restore the health of our waterways to create safe habitats for some of Aotearoa’s most endangered species.
The session began with whakawhanaungatanga, where residents shared introductions, their hometowns, and memories of the freshwater ecosystems they loved growing up. Many fondly recalled waterways teeming with wildlife. While there was a shared sadness at how these environments have changed, there was also a clear commitment to make a difference.
Residents received practical advice on how to awhi awa – to embrace, value, and care for our waterways:
Sweep leaves and remove rubbish from drains.
Use only eco-friendly cleaning products when washing your car.
Report pollution via the Pollution Hotline (0800 800 033) or online forms.
Join local planting projects.
Dispose of pet waste in bins, not drains or waterways.
Support permeable surfaces to improve water absorption and reduce urban heat.
Specific tips for the home included:
Kitchen: Don’t pour fat down the sink to avoid blockages and sewer overflows.
Bathroom: Only pee, poo, and paper down the toilet. Wet wipes and sanitary products cause major blockages.
Laundry: Install a PlanetCare filter to capture microplastics.
General: Avoid pouring hazardous household products down the drain, including paints, solvents, pesticides, motor oil, petrol, antifreeze, drain and toilet cleaners, and dry cleaning agents.
The workshop included discussions about ways we can all make a difference and at the end of the workshop, one resident was inspired to buy an Awhi Awa kete for her great-granddaughter for Christmas – a meaningful way to pass on the message of caring for our waterways.
You can join the project too!
The Awhi Awa | Embrace a Stream packs include:
Education material about endangered freshwater fish and how to awhi awa
Stainless steel signage of a tuna (longfin eel), kōaro (native fish), or Māui/Hector’s dolphin
Concrete drill and screws
Access to four education modules for classrooms
Video on applying signage
Subscription to the ESF newsletter with updates on endangered species and waterway health
Find out more and get your Awhi Awa kete here: https://www.endangeredspecies.org.nz/awhi-awa
