Conservation – Inspiring efforts in schools

We are immensely proud of the work we are doing with youth to inspire the next generation to protect our precious native flora and fauna. The Piroa Conservation Trust (PCT) works with nine schools, along with the Mangawhai-based Rangatahi Conservation Programme, to help youth, their parents and teachers join in with conservation efforts. For schools, a full-year curriculum is available for teachers to leverage, and in-classroom facilitation is also provided by incredible volunteers when needed.

The Rangatahi Conservation Programme is in its second year, with new groups meeting on weekends to learn about conservation. Across all these initiatives the goal is to support the next generation to engage in hands-on activities across all aspects of conservation, with a specific focus on what is relevant for our area. With topics such as trapping, it serves as an introduction to the complex decisions we sometimes must make to protect our endemic and native species from extinction.

Once students understand the importance of safeguarding our native species, they eagerly join the ranks of conservation warriors.

It is a pleasure to partner with Alex Flavell-Johnson (Shorebird Trust) and Susan Steedman (PCT and NZ Fairy Tern Trust) to support the programmes.

At Mangawhai Beach School, a trapline was established along the estuary edge in 2022, setting a precedent for other schools. This year’s conservation group (Enviro Unit) has already completed their first trapline check, learning to identify and handle the various predators they might encounter. Their efforts contribute to the data on Trap NZ, a platform that tracks pest captures across the country.

The newly-opened Mangawhai Hills College has a weekly conservation session and is already making strides in wildlife protection. Situated near bush habitats, the school has educated students on the predators they might find in their traps such as mustelids and rodents. This knowledge enables them to keep accurate records of their catches on Trap NZ. Alex led the way, pacing out 50 metres between traps and guiding students in baiting and setting rat traps, with a DOC200 trap included every 200m.

In all the schools, the students’ enthusiasm is evident as they connect their conservation work to other aspects of their education. They engage in lively debates about the best baits to use, setting the stage for future experiments and continuous learning. For PCT, this collaborative effort between conservation groups and schools highlights the importance of involving youth in environmental protection. By providing hands-on experience and practical knowledge, these programmes are nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious individuals, something we are very proud of. The partnership with local schools and community ensures that the youth in the area are well-equipped to make a lasting impact on their environment. The future of conservation will indeed be in good hands.

If you want to get involved and help with any of these programmes, we would welcome you with open arms. Please contact PC by emailing info@piroaconservation.org.nz.