Waterways protection highlighted

WORTH PROTECTING: Carter Scenic Reserve at Gladstone will be the site for a World Migratory Fish Day event. PHOTO/FILE

Pupils lead way in sharing information on native fish

Children and adults will get an in-depth education on migratory fish at Carter Scenic Reserve in Carterton this month.

World Migratory Fish Day celebrations have been designed by a volunteer group with members from GWRC, scientists and biodiversity rangers, Department of Conservation, Kids Conservation Club, Forest and Bird, Enviroschools, local artists and iwi and is all about protecting our waterways and our native fish.

Next Thursday children from "Enviroschools" which include South End School, Carterton School, Gladstone School, and St Mary's School will participate in the event and on Saturday from 10am to 2pm there will be an open day for the public.

There will be real fish to view with local native fish experts and Dr Mike Joy from Massey University will talk about fish migratory habits and about protecting them.

Ngati Kahungunu is involved in the project which coincides with Matariki [Maori new year], it aims to teach children about preserving our waterways through the telling of Maori myths and legends.

Rawiri Smith of Hurunui O Rangi Marae in Gladstone said the iwi see themselves as the kaitiaki [guardians] of the Ruamahanga River and its marine life.

Publicity for the day names Carter Scenic Reserve as a very significant place to hold the event.

"Carter's Reserve is a rare gem - it is the only wetland attached to the upper Ruamahanga River, which makes it ideal habitat for some of our secretive and fascinating native fish," Mr Smith said.

"The reserve is one of the last refuges for giant kokopu in the upper Wairarapa valley."