How would you like the opportunity to spend a week, away from school, learning about the issues related to securing the future of Lake Waihora/Ellesmere?

Year 12 students Libby Greaves and Aleigha Macdonald-Cope took up the challenge in the last week of Term 3, to do just that. In a programme called ‘Waterwise’, they joined young people from other secondary schools, ARA, UC and Lincoln University at Cracroft House, for a seven day experience.

Sponsored by the Untouched World Foundation, Rata Foundation and ARA and supported by Environment Canterbury and a range of community and iwi groups, they visited farms, planted trees, listened to speakers and meet Environment Canterbury Councillors, Ngāi Tahu leaders, to name just a few.

From these people they experienced first-hand perspectives related to marrying up the issues of improving water quality in the Lake Te Waihora Catchment with the economics of farming and urban development in the area.

After a week of amazing experiences, late nights spent talking and reflecting on the day’s experiences, these young people had increased their knowledge of environmental issues, made new friends to bring back to Avonside, new awareness and leadership skills and ideas to help make our community more environmental aware and sustainable.

If this experience sounds like something you would like to do in 2023, or in the future, start thinking about it now. Past recipients of these Scholarships have gone on to be Head of the Avonside Girls' High School Environment Council, representatives on the ECAN Youth Council, a recipient of a Peter Blake Expedition Scholarship and even a Youth UNICEF Ambassador.

Go Avonside Girls'!