Whenuakite Country Kids enjoy coastal restoration planting

By Fran Jack

During term three, tamariki from Whenuakite Country Kids joined Coastcare Waikato, Iwi, community members and local reserve management groups to take part in coastal restoration planting. Tamariki, teachers and whānau helped to plant over 200 oioi and wiwi plants at Wharekaho, and over 100 kōwhangatara (spinifex) plants at the northern end of Pukaki, Cooks Beach. The tamariki were very kindly supported by Tanya Patrick, TCDC Parks and Reserves Manager and Alison Henry from the Cooks Beach Reserve Group, during the planting days.

These experiences link strongly to the Whenuakite Country Kids philosophy which places emphasis on providing tamariki with regular opportunities to develop a sense of care and responsibility by giving back to nature and strengthening connections within our local community. The tamariki from Whenuakite Country Kids loved planting at our local beaches and learnt more about the importance of protecting the biodiversity of our local coastaline. With such enthusiastic advocates for our environment, the future is in good hands! Whenuakite Country Kids is very grateful to all of their sponsors, especially the Cashmore Family and the Autobarn who have supported the centre van which enables our children to get out into our local area for such experiences. Ngā mihi!

caption: Whenuakite Country Kids planting at Cooks Beach