Birds, bugs and bush

Kia ora, Tammy here from Wild about NZ. This term the ‘WANZ’ students from Ōmokoroa Point, Ōmokoroa No 1 and Whakamārama schools have been learning about how to identify New Zealand native trees and plants by using the leaf shape and size. We have also been searching for bugs at our local schools and learning about the important roles that they play in our ecosystem.

In term 3, Ōmokoroa No. 1 (~100 students) and Whakamārama (whole school) voted for the New Zealand native ‘Bird of the Year’. The little spotted kiwi was crowned the winner at No.1 school and the same at Whakamārama! Ōmokoroa Point school senior classes will be voting this term…I wonder who the winner will be!

Wild about New Zealand is an innovative ‘hands-on’ biodiversity investigation and action programme that provides schools and community volunteers within the Bay of Plenty the chance to help turn the tide for our native wildlife. Our programme, which is proudly sponsored by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, is available to years 5,6,7 and 8 students. If this sounds like something your child would love to be involved in, please speak with your child’s teacher early in Term 1 as places are limited. Find us on Facebook @wanzwbop to see some of the awesome trips and learning we get up to.

OPS student Hannah with her incredible tree inventory on what’s inside her tiny ‘nature treasure’ bottle. PHOTOS: Supplied.

Students voting for the Bird of the Year at Whakamārama with official voting boxes.