November 2004

 Case Study 
Paihia School Restoration Project

Paihia School is a decile 4 mainstream school situated in central Paihia, Bay of Islands, Northland.

It benefits from strong leadership and vision (Principal, David Rogers), is well-resourced and has a strong and capable teaching staff.

Approximately 60 students (two classes) of Paihia School have received programme introduction,

in-stream workshops and post-field trip advice on numerous occasions, since the school first adopted the Whitebait Connection Programme as an environmental learning/teaching tool in 2002.

Through initial stream investigation studies being conducted (2002-3) the potential to initiate a restoration project of a nearby stream was identified.

A couple of meetings were held with the principal and teacher (Denise Hadwin) to introduce the concept and ecological benefits of restoring the school stream, and also highlighting the potential for the students, school and wider community involvement.  The stream reach which is targeted for rehabilitation including weed eradication and riparian planting, is located on Paihia school property, which has the advantage of making this a more successful project.

After surveying the areas to be restored and addressing timeframe, methods and process, the project was given approval and gained commitment from school management.

In term one, 2004, two classes (Years 4-8) participated in stream studies, identifying habitats, sampling for macroinvertebrates and native fish species. 

What has emerged from the classes involved in freshwater studies of their local stream environment has been the formation of a core group of 14 students who now make up the ‘Paihia School/WBC stream restoration group’.  This group was specifically selected by the school principal and senior teacher.

The following is a brief summary of the group learnings and past, present and future action being taken by the group:

• Students identify impacts on their ‘school stream’ which flows out of the Opua forest catchment (forest situated approximately 100 metres up stream) and into the main Paihia beach.  The Opua forest is a DoC managed area. The environmental issues identified so far are weed infestation, stormwater pipes, flood zone, plans to extend a public carpark which closely borders stream, floodgates downstream, and rubbish.
• School management submit funding application (2003) to purchase native trees for riparian planting. The application is successful and planting by students of approximately 50 plants is completed. The school retains a small amount of funding to put towards future planting plans.
• School and students contact FNDC representative (Harariwa Watene), Department of Conservation, and Paihia gardening club to inform of their plans and seek advice.
• Paihia School/Whitebait Connection Action Group established – 14 students

Group roles and responsibilities are identified and discussed.  Positions are delegated through voting system.

• Students identify and clarify group mission statement `To educate and inspire the Paihia community to take care of their streams and waterways’

Students conduct brainstorming session to gather ideas for plan.

• WBC provide regular advisory/facilitation role with additional financial assistance from Far North District Council funding.
• Students conduct research study on historical & cultural significance of local environment specifically related to freshwater. Information is sourced from long time local residents, parents and whanau, RSA, FNDC.
• Students begin draft preparations for community awareness campaign to commence in term 1, 05’
• Students prepare to present their findings and action plan to school and staff at weekly assembly (25.11.04)

Report written by:

 Ira Seitzer

Northland Facilitator