Peria School is leading the way in the restoration of a local stream, Pakonga, according to Whitebait Connection delivery co-ordinator Jasmine Pirini.
Fencing off the waterway and clearing gorse and tobacco weed within the riparian zone were amongst the ways the children were actively exercising kaitiakitanga, showing they cared and had an interest in improving the environment for the future, she said.
"Learning about the ecology of their local stream through the Whitebait Connection programme is another way Year 1-8 students have been able to learn about the importance of the stream and how it supports a wider network of living species, such as freshwater fish, including tuna, common and redfin bullys and a mix of invertebrates made up of mayflies, dobsonflies, woody-cased caddis and freshwater shrimps, for example," she said.
Future restoration would see all students undertaking riparian planting.
Ms Pirini acknowleged the Department of Conservation, Foundation North and Curious Minds for their support.
