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Two Year 8 students at Mahurangi College, Ameline Makin and Zara Innes, are in the process of delivering a marine-based action plan addressing stormwater issues in Warkworth.
They say they chose to focus on stormwater because it is an area of pollution that few people pay attention to or are aware of.
“We want to create a visual reminder by painting around stormwater drains in our Warkworth community,” they say.
The girls have contacted Auckland Council to ask permission to paint appropriate images on stormwater drains in the town and are awaiting a response.
Sydney Parker’s entry was judged Most practical design.
“Stormwater drain pollution is caused by town residents, knowingly or unknowingly, conveniently disposing of chemicals and other materials down or near drains when they are doing things like washing their car,” they say. “Our community needs to understand that what goes down those drains goes straight out to our New Zealand foreshore.”
The girls organised a colouring-in competition for local primary school students to raise general awareness and understanding of the issue. The primary school students were asked to create and colour various designs, which Ameline and Zara hope to see put around the drains.
The winning entry by Jade Faithfull, of Kaipara Flats.
Jade Faithfull, who is in Year 3 at Kaipara Flats Primary was first, Sienna Houston, of Warkworth Primary was second and Josiah Armstrong, of Kaipara Flats Primary was third.
“We would like to give a special mention to Sydney Parker, who is in Year 4 at Kaipara Flats Primary, who won ‘most practical design’.”
