Restorative work at the Waitītiko awa 

For more than a decade restorative work has been carried out at the Waitītiko awa (Meola Creek) by Waiōrea and Springs students, kaiako and whānau.  The work is driven by the Kaitiakitanga rōpū, Tikanga a Iwi classes, Wastewise, the Trapping group, and at times, Science and other groups  who all work to restore the biodiversity of the awa area (the bush area runs along the awa between WSCW and Pasadena Intermediate and includes a critically endangered lava rock forest).

The work generally includes the removal of  invasive weeds and an annual planting of native species, water quality testing is also carried out from time to time.   In the past two years a possum and rodent trapline has been established to help protect our native plantings and encourage the return of our taonga birds, insects and lizards.  The trapping work is open to any student who wishes to participate and learn best practice trapping.

The work has been supported by a number of expert third parties including Healthy Waters, Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao, Whitebait Connection, and Te Ngahere.

It is important to note that the stream bank is situated next to a historic closed landfill and recommended health and safety measures are closely adhered to when any activities are undertaken.