Work parties have been helping with the local native forest planting programme since May, clearing scrub and felling trees around the school, and replacing them with native trees and shrubs.
The programme, Tipu Mai Tipu Ake (Planting for Learning, Planting for Life) emphasises kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and has been embraced by the primary school, which incorporates the study of the immediate natural environment into its curriculum.
“We’ve planted over 860 trees and have 2,000 to go,” says community work supervisor Brian Noble. “But there is a lot of Maori pride involved, and the guys get on with it, knowing that the children will benefit from having native flora and fauna on their doorstep to study and enjoy.”
This restoration of the native forest has already seen the return of native birds to the area.
Tumuaki (Principal) Meriana Taputu-Pearson has been very impressed by the amount of work done by the offenders.
“The project would not have got as far as it has without their assistance,” she says.
“They have even said that they look forward to completing their community hours here each Saturday, because they know the philosophy behind the project and can see how the students and wider community will benefit.”
Photo: Scrub cleared by offenders will soon be replaced with a forest of native trees, allowing pupils at Te Kura o Waitahanui the opportunity to study the natural environment from their very own doorstep.
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ISSN 1178-1327