We all love our awa (river), but do you know what fauna and flora are living near or inside the Whau River?
The answer is spiders, snail, bugs, inanga (whitebait), beetles and perhaps many more. These are what the 140 students at the Splashy Bikers Nature Day event found after the soil ecology, plants and water quality sessions.
Organised by Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust in partnership with Auckland Council, the event was made up of seven stations including biking, kayaking, sea cleaning, drowning prevention, nature and science in Archibald Park to help students appreciate the Whau’s biodiversity, thanks to support from Whau and Henderson-Massey Local Boards and The Trusts.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas (second from right) at the event.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas was pleased to see the students from across the Whau area take part in this wonderful event which enables the younger generations to connect with Nature and the Whau River.
“I’m thrilled to see our children appreciate our whenua (land) and awa, on the site where Te Whau Pathway will be built soon.
“Te Whau Pathway will be a significant asset for our residents and our board are very proud to support the project. This is more than just building a shared path - it is about nurturing a sense of pride, ownership and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in the Whau River.
“I’d like to thank Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust for organising this lovely event and everyone who has been involved in the construction of Te Whau Pathway. The Whau River will become a better place because of the efforts of us all,” adds Kay.
New mural “He Iti Kahurangi” designed by artist Eva Fuemana (artist impression) .
Apart from the educational sessions, students also helped paint new mural “He Iti Kahurangi” designed by artist Eva Fuemana for the amenities block at Archibald Park. This is a project Te Whau Pathway Project partners with Whau the People, which delivers community arts that connect and reflect the locals.
Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust chair Tony Miguel says he’s delighted that the children had a great day and learning experience.
“We are very pleased with the positive feedback from participants. I would like to thank the funders and all the volunteers, teachers and Council staff that made the event possible and so exciting.”
If you’re passionate about the Whau River and its streams, how about entering Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust’s photo competition for World Water Day? Entry closes on Saturday 16 March. Winners will have cash prizes. Find out more: https://tewhaupathway.org.nz/events/photo-competition-2024/
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