Following a response to some enthusiastic tamariki, who are passionate about our environment and committed to making a difference, a student environmental group has been set up.

This group has been named ‘Kaitiaki Rōpū’ - which means carer/guardian/protector and conserver. The goal of the group is to actively identify areas or projects within our school and community, where the children can contribute to make a positive change. The group meets each week, and their initial focus has been on generating practices that are sustainable going forward. The children are researching an easy and sustainable composting system to have in our school, with a view to using the compost to grow seedlings to border our new bike track. The children will also be involved in the community - helping with the planting/maintenance programme at Silverstream on a continuing basis.

We are excited to see what we can do to ensure the ongoing care of East Taieri School’s creek, trees, and bird life.

Anna Devereux