Whakatāne Intermediate School’s Awatapu Wetlands Project has new signage, thanks to the Kopeopeo Lions. The Wetlands Project has been a cooperative effort between the School and the Lions for some time, with pupils pitching in to help maintain floating wetland pods of purei or pukio plants, as well as doing regular clean-ups via kayak.

Graham Henton, Environmental Science teacher at the Intermediate, says improving the water quality of the lagoon fits in perfectly with the school’s long-term goal of making it a community resource. “Our students use the lagoon for their practical outworking of the principle of 'Kaitiakitanga' - showing care and respect for all that is around us. The lagoon is perfectly suited as a context for environmental learning, as it provides a multiplicity of ecosystems, all of which can be used to support student learning.”

Kopeopeo Lions became involved in the project in 2013, and with funding and support from Whakatāne District Council, Tāneatua Lions, Kauri Park Nursery, Waterclean Technologies, Farmlands, Nova Energy, Naturally Native Plants, Beulah Services and Whakatāne Roofing, it has advanced steadily. The completion of the signage explaining the project has been a milestone, though Mr Henton notes that this is an ongoing project for the School.

“We are blessed to have it immediately adjacent to our school, so have a vested interest in doing our best to make it as pristine as is humanly possible,” he says. “The Lions have worked with us tirelessly in an endeavour to make this a reality, and I give huge credit to them.”