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Ōrewa Beach School students have been diving into local freshwater learning, combining science, creativity, and student voices through a hands-on education and art project.
Delivered by Mountains to Sea Trust, and supported by the local Ōtanerua Reserve Restoration Group, the project saw students explore Nukumea stream with hands-on collaborative schoolwork, learning about water health, freshwater ecosystems, Īnanga (whitebait) and their role as kaitiaki of local environments. The learning was brought to life through an accompanying art programme led by local artist Jenny Ann Sweatman.
Fish by fish, and letter by letter, their learning went from an idea, to a mural displayed for others to learn from at Ōrewa Library.
Students showed what they learned through large‑scale artwork and written reflections, with stories about freshwater from their own perspectives. The completed works were displayed over the summer at Ōrewa Library, allowing the wider community to engage with the students’ learning before the artwork was returned to the school for permanent display.
Tori Christie, Sustainable Schools Advisor, says that the library display was well received by the community and students.
“The tamariki loved learning about their local stream and were incredibly proud to see their artwork on public display. It was a powerful way to build connections to place and show students that their voices matter,” she says.
The project was funded by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and Waicare, highlighting the impact of local partnerships in supporting environmental education and creative learning.
Information provided by Tori Christie, Sustainable Schools Advisor.
