Porirua East School pupils are discovering the wonders of the natural world through hands-on learning at Mexted Stream, thanks to a new partnership with Porirua City Council.
On a recent visit, students explored the stream area, searching for insects, plants, and birds while learning about biodiversity and the importance of caring for nature. What might seem like a simple piece of dead wood became a source of fascination, teeming with tiny ecosystems and teaching opportunities.
The initiative is part of a wider effort to connect young learners with their local environment, encouraging curiosity, respect for nature, and sustainability.
“It’s amazing what you can find when you really stop and look,” one teacher said. “This is all about showing tamariki that nature has so much to teach us, right in our own backyard.”
Porirua City Council is supporting the programme as part of its commitment to environmental education and community engagement. The Mexted Stream area has been gradually restored through local planting efforts, making it a safe and vibrant space for outdoor learning.
The school plans to return regularly to continue its environmental explorations and hopes the experience will inspire a lifelong connection to the land.