Tag: Ngāi Takoto

Cultivating Kaitiakitanga: Paparore School’s Arbor Day Event at Lake Ngatu

Te Runanga o NgaiTakoto – 14th June 2023

Cultivating Kaitiakitanga: Paparore School’s Arbor Day Event at Lake Ngatu

Today Paparore School’s annual Arbor Day event at Lake Ngatu showcased their deep commitment to our environment. Year after year, they continue to plant native trees and plants, demonstrating their dedication as caretakers/kaitiaki of our taiao. With an impressive tally of approximately 40,000 trees planted since 1999, Paparore School is making a significant impact.

Working together with Ngāi Takoto Taiao Kaimahi, Summit Forest, and the Bushlands Trust, Paparore School undertook a big task today, planting over 1400 native trees. This effort perfectly aligns with the schools core values of Porihanga (community) and Kaitiakitanga (environmental stewardship) while enriching their local community curriculum.

Lake Ngatu holds immense significance within the community, and Paparore School wholeheartedly embraces the role of kaitiaki, or guardians, of this precious environment. The day’s activities were made even more meaningful with the invaluable support of their whānau, including parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Through their continuous efforts, they inspire and empower future generations to manaaki and tiaki our natural environment, our taiao.

“Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua.”

If we take care of the earth, if we take care of the people, we will take care of the future.

Keep up the amazing mahi Paparore

Te Runanga o NgaiTakoto

Te Ahuru the Turtle (honu)

Did you know there are 7 species of sea turtle around the world and five of those species of turtle are visitors to New Zealand waters. Green, Logger Head, and Leatherback turtles are the most common species to visit the Far North. The Māori word for turtle is honu. We have been learning all about the types of turtles that are in NZ, what dangers they face and how we can help. Click on this link to see our learning on the class site.

Our kura was invited to the release of Te Ahuru the honu. Te Ahuru washed up in Houhora last year. He has been rehabilitating at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s for the last few months and is now well enough to be released back into the wild. Te Ahuru was released at Kaimaumau. We gathered with Waiharara School, Ngai Takoto, the Department of Conservation (DOC – Te Papa Atawhai) and Kelly Tarltons to support the release of Te Ahuru back into the moana. We  heard stories, sang waiata and celebrated being part of this amazing experience.  We all shared a kai afterwards and reflected on a wonderful day!

Farewell Te Ahuru, Kia kaha, Kia māia, Kia manawanui – Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.