A hands-on environmental education programme is proving a hit with Porirua schools, bringing students closer to the natural world right on their doorstep.
The Streamside Education initiative, led by Porirua City Council Parks Education Advisor Natalie Packer, has supported students across all age groups since its launch in 2023. The flexible programme complements classroom learning by connecting students with local ecosystems and teaching them the importance of healthy waterways.
Already this year, students from Aotea and Mana colleges have participated in outdoor learning experiences tied to their school assessments. Meanwhile, tamariki from Porirua East School explored the relationship between art and nature with a day that included creative workshops at Pātaka Art + Museum and tree planting near their school.
The term kicked off with a burst of activity, as Porirua East School students planted 230 native trees along Mexted Stream in Rānui. The site, just around the corner from the school, provides an accessible space for students to actively engage with their environment.
“We want the tamariki and rangatahi of Porirua to see the connection to their environment in their local community,” said Packer. “This programme is about immersing them in nature and encouraging them to have a relationship with the local environment, so they can cherish it.”
With the 2024 planting season now underway, more schools are expected to join. Last year, about 3800 students, teachers, and parent helpers from 34 schools across Wellington and Porirua participated.
For more information, visit poriruacity.govt.nz/streamside-planting.