Waihi School Kids Celebrate World Environment Day

5 June 2008

In Waihi, World Environment Day was celebrated through school activities in the Waitete Catchment. Residents of Waihi planted native sedges and toetoe to help stabilise stream banks and create flood protection. Climate change predictions of greater stream flow variations will impact significantly on Waihi’s vulnerable streams. Of particular concern are extreme weather events that will produce higher flows, accelerating stream bank erosion and sediment contamination.

The location of the trip was lower Waitete Stream. Classes visited throughout the day, planting sedges, toetoe and completing a freshwater macroinvertebrate survey to test the water quality of the stream.

"Carbon Credits" were awarded to students who were helpful, worked well or successfully answered quiz questions based on the previous week's prepatory in-class lesson. Prizes were then given out to those collected credits.

For more information, including a video of the class in action, check out the Waihi World Environment Day Blog.