Currently in class Yr 13 Agricultural Science has been working towards AS91528: 

Carry out an investigation into an aspect of a New Zealand primary product or its production

The topic this year is Wai Water?  The effect of milk production management practices on water quality and biodiversity in the Hinds River Catchment.  As part of this the class spent one day collecting water samples looking at Nitrate levels, Phosphate levels, water clarity, conductivity, sedimentation and invertebrate samples from various locations along the Hinds River.  Along the way they also had a look at the Hekeao / Hinds Managed Aquifer Recharge project (MAR).  They also had a farm visit at Align Clareview to discuss various management practices they are using to mitigate their effects on water quality.

Then on Thursday we had a panel of guest speakers come in and discuss the results.

Many thanks to Debbie Eddington, Kim Dynes and Maria Captein from ECAN. 

Peter Low from the Hekeao / Hinds Water Enhancement Trust and Align Clareview.