Te Kura Awa (School of the River)
The Whitebait Connection programme is a freshwater environmental education initiative that provides specialist advice on freshwater ecosystems from both Western science and Te Ao Māori perspectives. It offers interactive and holistic in-stream learning experiences that explore key environmental education concepts such as interdependence, sustainability, and biodiversity. Through these experiences, participants develop a comprehensive understanding of their local waterways and the environment as a whole.
By fostering the practice of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), WBC empowers tamariki and rangatahi to take actions for the environment, whether through sharing knowledge, engaging in restoration projects, writing to government or monitoring their local awa. This holistic approach not only enhances environmental knowledge but also instills a sense of responsibility and connection to local ecosystems.
WBC and Tasman Bay Guardians
The Whitebait Connection (WBC) programme delivered by Tasman Bay Guardians offers immersive, hands-on learning experiences in river conservation in the Nelson Tasman region.
Whitebait Connection provides an inquiry and action based environmental education programme for schools and communities focusing on the health of our streams, rivers and wetlands.
School Programme
STEP 1 – Classroom learning: Presentations, games, interactive catchment model and an introduction to freshwater monitoring equipment.
STEP 2 – Local stream investigation: Use freshwater monitoring kit to find out the health of local awa (stream).
STEP 3 – Pristine stream investigation: Assess health of a protected or pristine awa
STEP 4 – Create an action project: Compare and contrast the two awa, identify potential causes, leading to an environmental action plan.
Teacher Resources: https://www.whitebaitconnection.co.nz/what-we-do/education/teachers-and-coordinators-resources.html
Tailored programmes: Needing activities to add to your school camp? Field trips to tie into Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC), science and mātauranga Māori? We are able to create a user pays or funded programme to suit your needs.
