Next month it’s Seaweek, Aotearoa’s annual week about the sea. Ōrākei Local Board is supporting Seaweek with a grant enabling the Tread Lightly Caravan to deliver an educational programme called the Drain Game.
From 4 to 8 March, the game will be set up outside Kelly Tarlton’s to help school students and the public to learn about how stormwater works, and find out more about pollution and how to avoid it.
A special schools programme will allow students to visit a mobile education trailer, learn from a Kelly Tarlton’s educator and participate in a session to discuss possible solutions and actions to ensure “only rain goes down the stormwater drain.”
Ōrākei Local Board Chair Kit Parkinson says it’s vital to be forward-looking in safeguarding oceans and waterways and that it all starts with education.
“New Zealanders have a special connection to the sea. We’re an island nation surrounded by millions of square kilometres of sea, with over 15,000 kilometres of beautiful coastline.
“If people are able to learn how they as individuals can make a difference, it helps to foster a sense of personal responsibility towards our marine environment.”
Seaweek national coordinator Mels Barton says the interactive game is a comprehensive introduction to looking after our waterways and stormwater impacts on the sea.
“The theme of this year’s Seaweek is Tiakina o Tātou Mōana (Care for our Seas). Through the Drain Game, we aim to empower people with a feeling of kaitiakitanga around protecting and enhancing our seas,” she says.
Visit the Seaweek website to learn more about the Drain Game, other Seaweek activities happening around New Zealand and to get involved.
