The Year 13 Biology students have spent the last three days at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary completing their 3.1 Biology Investigation Assessment.

A botany investigation is the focus but the students learn about ecosystem conservation, bird life and other aspects of the native trees. 

Taylor Davies-Colley and Taylor Hamlin run the programme. Taylor Davies-Colley is finishing his Master’s Degree with a focus on Carnivorous plants. Taylor Hamlin is working on his PhD with a focus on the Adelie Penguins and their foraging behaviour. They are a wealth of knowledge and not only teach the boys about the ecosystem but how to write proper scientific reports. 

The three days are quite intensive, require quite a lot of focus and self-discipline and offer the boys the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ecology within their own area. We are so grateful to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary for offering the programme and to the University of Otago Botany Department who not only lend the student equipment, but also offer funding for the programme itself.