Waikato Schools Awhi Awa and Embrace Waterways for Freshwater Fish
- Natalie Jessup
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Today in Cambridge, eight Waikato schools, including Vardon School, Te Awamutu Intermediate, Te Pahu School, Kio Kio School, Waikato Montessori, Te Miro School, Wharepapa South School, and Pāterangi School, came together for Awhi Awa | Embrace a Stream workshops, run in partnership with Waikato Regional Council, EnviroSchools, and the Endangered Species Foundation.
During the workshops students learnt about endangered freshwater fish and created real plans to look after waterways and their habitats.
"Our tamariki and their teachers are amazed when they find out we have 19 different species of native freshwater fish - ika taketake - in the Waikato River", says Natalie Jessup, General Manager of the Endangered Species Foundation.
"They are also happy to know that they can help these endangered species by taking good care of the water that comes from their homes and schools, so together we can make a difference for our most treasured resource - wai".
During the workshops each school wrote a plan which included the following:
Identifying a Local Waterway Each school chose or discussed a drain at their school or a stream nearby that they could actively care for.
Planning Who to Involve Students mapped out how to bring in classmates, whānau, teachers, and adults to support and engage.
Assessing Resources Needed They identified what tools, supplies, signage would make their projects work.
Engaging Tamariki, Whānau, and Community Groups brainstormed practical actions including presenting at assembly, newsletters, printing posters and flyers, rubbish clean-ups, water monitoring, and educating students about kōaro and longfin eels (tuna).
Each school left with a project plan, a kete of resources, including either a tuna or a kōaro metal sign, and the next steps they will be taking to engage their schools and communities, with ways they can keep their chosen waterway healthy.
Today showed that restoring freshwater is possible with community-led effort. With plans in motion these schools are turning awareness into action to give endangered species and our precious waterways a chance to restore and replenish.
