In term 3 2022 Whitebait Connection Programme Coordinators Pat & Nic worked with Miss Battersby and her year 5 & 6 class at Whangarei Primary School for programme delivery. The programme included class sessions introducing the importance of freshwater and the life within it and a field trip to a stream in Taurikura Bay on the Jagger's farm. This small stream flows from Mt Manaia and out to Taurikura Bay in Whangarei Heads.
During their field trip the students observed a variety of macroinvertebrates including shrimp, snails, mayflies, dragonfly larvae and damselflies. They also saw various fish species including īnanga, banded kōkopu, redfin bullies, common bullies and tuna. After their stream investigation the students took action by picking up rubbish along the beach at Taurikura Bay. We had previously discussed in class the connection between the mountains to the sea and were aware that rubbish from the land and awa can end up in the moana. We only picked up a few pieces as there wasn't much litter along the beach!
If you are interested in discussing more about this programme delivery with Whangarei Primary or you are interested in prograrmme delivery at your school in the Whangarei area please contact Nic: