Enviroschools

Whitebait Connection

The Year 3 and 4 students took a quick trip to a local Awa/Stream located behind the Fonterra site in Maungaturoto.


Our tamariki did many investigations to find out the mauri (life force/health) of the stream, and the life within it.  They completed a visual assessment and used nets, magnifying glasses, thermometers and water clarity tubes to collect data.  We concluded that the health of the stream was ‘ok’.  The students shared some ways they could help improve the mauri of the stream, such as planting native trees to reduce erosion and create more shade. 


We would like to thank Greer from Whitebait Connection for organising this fantastic learning opportunity for us.

Here is what some of the students had to say about this awesome experience…


I really enjoyed looking at the Inanga / Whitebait - Chloe 


I liked identifying the micro-invertebrates.  We tested the water for clarity.  It was more dirty than we thought.  Juliette


We caught a short fin tuna/eel and redfin bully fish.  Barrett 


I enjoyed checking the water temperature.  I touched the shortfin eel.  Benji L


I enjoyed seeing the common bully fish.  It wasn’t as big as I thought it would be.  Harper


I enjoyed having a net to collect the macro invertebrates. Laura


We caught a Tuna/eel in the Hinaki / Fish net. Hunter