Instream Workshops.

School Programme – Community Group

Workshop Procedures

Introduction.

1. The Whitebait Connection Programme’s (WBC) geographical range is from the Auckland to Far North areas, Marlborough/Blenheim and Gisborne regions. (for facilitator contact details go to WBC website home page/contact us).

1.1 Initial contact is established, usually by a phone call, with the Principal or a referred teacher (Head of EE, Science Dept, etc).

1.2 Alternatively, school or group contacts WBC coordinator by telephone, e-mail, or WBC website contact page. If contact is by phone, a brief introduction and overview of the WBC programme is provided. Coordinator will propose meeting with principal and/or interested persons.

1.3 Appointment time for meeting &/or staff presentation is made.

 
Staff Meeting.
Meeting &/or presentation conducted at school or site.

2.1 Tikanga is practised and observed when working in Kura Kaupapa Māori and places of similar area.

2.2 Professional development workshop (incl. demo of in-stream activities) with staff (optional).

2.3 WBC overview is presented -

            Introduction, background, objectives of the programme

            Activities and experiences

            Past, current projects and work with other schools

            WBC resources and equipment

            WBC stages of involvement (exploration to restoration)

            Health & Safety requirements (e.g 1:5 adult supervision by water, permission).

            Discuss, develop a suitable programme for your school/group

Logistics

2.4 Site visit by WBC staff to assess safety and suitability.  Land owner, teaching staff and group leaders informed and invited to attend.

Complete health & safety protocols, check road/land access issues or concerns.  Take site photographs.

2.5 Field trip planning

        Schedule suitable dates and time to introduce and deliver programme to class or group
        (req. approx 3 hours), incl.  tentative rain check dates

Engagement and Exploration

3. Confirmation of field trip is made 1-3 days prior to scheduled date.   

3.1 WBC facilitator arrives at least 45 minutes before start time to prepare for in-stream workshop.

        Facilitator to set-up WBC resource kits:

        Lge invertebrate nets

        Fish scoop nets

        Sample containers, sorting boxes

        Magnifiers, pipettes, clarity measurer/secci disk

        Books, i.d information on freshwater fish, invertebrates, plants, weeds & algae.

        (Technical equipment maybe available in some regions – microscopes, hand held meters)

 3.2 Group arrives at workshop site;

        Formal greetings

        Brief enquiry conducted about catchment area, habitat, freshwater systems

        Potential hazards and risks associated with activities are explained to the group.

        Workshop sites, boundaries and safety procedures are given to the group and leaders

        Demonstrate use and care of field equipment and resources.  Incl. enter/access water, monitoring and sampling techniques, identification, etc.

3.3 Adult leaders designated to groups (safety ratio 1:4-5).

            Groups provided with individual resource kits.

3.4 In-stream activities commence.

        WBC group activities involve;

        Monitoring water clarity, temperature, depth, pH.

        Sampling/i.d of macroinvertebrates

        Capture and study of freshwater fish

        Study of the freshwater eco-system incl. plants, algae, weeds, and other animals.

3.5 All participants remain in their designated areas to collect, i.d and record samples.

3.6 On completion of workshop return all samples (alive) to water.
Group then returns to ‘central’ site for de-brief and discussion of results.

3.7 Facilitator to tally and pack equipment.

3.8 Clean equipment thoroughly to avoid transportation of invasive/noxious weed species.

3.9 Pack and store equipment in dry conditions.

 Post Field Trip

4. Optional follow-up session conducted with staff and students (appointment made by prior arrangement)

4.1 Results of practical workshop are discussed. i.e monitoring data, identified impacts such as pollution, fish barriers, erosion, lack of riparian cover.

4.2 Problem solving for positive solutions and a draft action plan may follow

4.3 As each group is participating at varying stages of the programme the scale of WBC involvement will differ from project to project.

WBC Towards Action

4.4 WBC assistance may involve areas such as;

        Providing advice on suitable restoration methods

        Linking groups with local/regional stakeholders and organisations

        Help to plan and/or assist with clean-up projects, planting days, `celebration of success’ events (e.g World Water Day 2004)

        Funding advice and support

        Facilitate emerging processes