Rooting for the river and the rohe

Publish Date : 23 Jun 2025
Mahurangi College
Mahurangi College student planting stream-side.

Nestled on the lush banks of the Mahurangi River, Mahurangi College in Warkworth is buzzing with more than just school bells and sports practices. It’s also buzzing with the sound of shovels in the soil, birds returning to reforested bush, and students getting stuck into some serious environmental mahi.

This thriving Enviroschool, supported by Auckland Council’s Sustainable Schools team, has been championing a culture of sustainability and action for over 20 years.

With a roll of around 1500 students, Mahurangi College has embraced the "living classroom" concept, a holistic approach to learning and wellbeing that connects students with the natural world, right on their doorstep.

And what a doorstep it is….

The school borders both a towering pūriri–taraire forest and a rare kauri–podocarp bush, offering a unique chance for students to put the principles of kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga into action.

Mahurangi College students with learning in the living classroom with Auckland Council's Frazer Dale.

Mahurangi College students with learning in the living classroom with Auckland Council's Frazer Dale.

In 2024, 17 dedicated students rolled up their sleeves and planted 246 native trees along the riverbank, a key step in a multi-year restoration project. But the mahi doesn’t stop at planting.

Students are also removing invasive weeds, trapping pest animals, and monitoring water quality with eDNA testing - a science-meets-action approach - that brings the curriculum to life. From biology to social studies, the real-world relevance is clear.

Frazer Dale, Auckland Council Senior Sustainable Schools Advisor, says the mahi at Mahurangi College is something special.

“The college streamside planting has been very successful,” Frazer says.

“The students have learnt how to plant native trees to support more biodiversity in their school. Not only that, but they’ve also learned about those plants, the te reo names, traditional uses, and which birds and insects feed from them,” he says.
“All of this contributes to the school’s goal of creating a Living Classroom. The Auckland Council Sustainable Schools team is proud to support this ongoing project with native trees, tools and advice.

That support comes through the Natural Environment Targeted Rate, which funds free eco-sourced native plants, tools, and expert advice. It’s helping young environmental leaders grow, not just trees.

The school’s deep community roots also play a big role. Mahurangi College collaborates with local groups like Restore Rodney East and other Enviro schools and receives backing from the Rodney Local Board.

These efforts are long-term rewards. As tall canopy trees like pukatea, taraire and pūriri begin to take hold, the students can see their impact and take pride in restoring the whenua.

The Mahurangi College story is just one among many.

In 2024, the Sustainable Schools team supported 242 Enviro schools across Tāmaki Makaurau. From restoring bush and waterways to integrating Te Ao Māori, rangatahi are stepping up as guardians of our natural world:

48% cared for local waterways — cleaning up pollution and testing water quality

87% of schools planted native trees to restore ngahere — over 20,000 trees in total

43% monitored biodiversity — conducting bird and fish surveys

33% controlled pest plants and animals — protecting native ecosystems from invasive species

70% regularly integrated Te Ao Māori into their practices – fostering deeper connections with nature through a Māori worldview

 

At Mahurangi College, they’re not just learning about the environment, they’re changing it for the better.

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