Embracing Te Taiao – On the Farm: Learning beyond the classroom
Utilising the last weeks of summer, February saw us hosting Year 8 students from Te Kura o Tititea / Mount Aspiring College on farms across the Upper Clutha region, as part of our “Embracing Te Taiao – On the Farm” programme.
Embracing Te Taiao – On the Farm education initiative provides an opportunity for tamariki and rangatahi to engage with the rural enterprises and initiatives shaping our communities. This hands-on experience offers a unique chance to explore the environmental challenges local landowners face and understanding the solutions and environmental initiatives they are undertaking in real-time.
Glendhu Station
Our first field trip took us to stunning Glendhu Station, where we were introduced to the work being done to restore native species to the land, enhance biodiversity and improve water quality.
John McRae, the station owner, shared his deep insights into the history of the station and its ongoing efforts to work together with community groups for a more sustainable future. John explained how the station is actively working to rehabilitate the land, creating a healthy, balanced environment that benefits both the native plants and animals, as well as the local community. The careful management of water resources plays a crucial role in this effort, as the quality of water directly affects the health of the land, Lake Wānaka and the species that rely on it.
Rangatahi took part in restoring the wetlands at Glendhu Station. With the support of Matukituki Natives, who provided a wide range of native plants through MPI funding, the students gained hands-on experience in environmental conservation.
The Rangatahi learned invaluable lessons about the critical role these native trees play in the environment, particularly how they help filter water, enhance habitat and promote soil health. This experience gave them a deeper understanding of how these ecosystems work, highlighting the importance of preserving and restoring wetlands for the overall health of the land.
In addition to the tree planting, Chrissi from Te Kākano guided some of the students in creating plant guards from Harakeke (flax). This sustainable initiative not only taught the students a practical skill but also provided an eco-friendly alternative to plastic guards, demonstrating how traditional Māori techniques can offer modern-day solutions.
During the Glendhu Station visit, the rangatahi took part in a hands-on water quality check, learning how to assess ecosystem health through macroinvertebrate sampling and electric fishing, led by freshwater scientist Chris Arbuckle.
The presence of certain species, like mayflies, indicated clean, thriving waters—essential for sustaining native wildlife. This experience (made more exciting by catching a bucket full of fish to ID) deepened their understanding of freshwater conservation, the delicate balance needed to protect these ecosystems, and the importance of planting natives in the wetlands to create a suitable habitat for local species.
“The most interesting thing I learnt was how electric fishing works” – yr 8 student
Lake Hāwea Station
The second part of our school visit took place at Lake Hāwea Station, where Richie guided us on a tour of the station. He emphasised the importance of caring for both animal welfare and the environment, key focuses on soil sustainability and how responsible land management helps prevent nutrient laden runoff, protecting both the environment and nearby Lake Hāwea.
With perfect weather on our side, we put these lessons into practice by conducting visual soil assessments analysing structure, colour, and classification. This hands-on experience helped us understand how healthy soil plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting the surrounding ecosystem.
The second learning activity focused on measuring water distribution of a centre pivot irrigator. Rangatahi placed buckets under the sprinkler to collect and measure the water volumes applied, checking how water was applied across the length of the irrigator and whether it was evenly spread.
“I didn’t know how many different soil types there are, it looks like lasagne!”-Year 8 student soil testing
This, along with the soil sampling activity, helped students understand why soil health and water usage is so important. They learned that compacted soil doesn’t absorb water well, causing more runoff into nearby catchments. Healthy soil, on the other hand, helps reduce erosion and loss, holds water better, and supports more living organisms, making it better for both farming and the environment.
“I learnt what a regenerative pasture is.” – yr 8 student
Criffel Station
To conclude our enriching Embracing Te Taiao – On the Farm week, we wrapped up our visits at Criffel Station. Mandy Bell welcomed the rangatahi and shared insights into the sustainable management of water on the property, explaining how water use is carefully balanced to support both the land and the well-being of the deer. She emphasised the importance of protecting natural resources to ensure long-term environmental and agricultural sustainability. As she spoke, we were treated to the sound of stags roaring in the distance—a truly unforgettable moment that connected us to the land and the wildlife.
While one group continued their soil sampling investigations, the second group explored the bush classroom. Among the fluttering pīwakawaka, Greg from Southern Lakes Sanctuary introduced students to the use of artificial intelligence in pest control. He explained how AI-driven technology can automatically detect and identify rodents, improving the efficiency of trapping efforts. As AI continues to evolve, it has the potential to transform conservation strategies across Aotearoa’s diverse and challenging landscapes.
The students then put their learning into practice by checking the trap line and tracking tunnels, gaining hands-on experience in identifying the best locations for effective pest control. Excitement peaked when they discovered hedgehog footprints on one of the tracking cards—an exciting find that highlighted the real-world impact of their work.
“Traps are put around the land to reduce and keep the pests or stoats or other animals that are a problem on the farm”. -yr 8 student
What a fantastic way to conclude a week filled with hands-on learning, environmental exploration, and a deepened appreciation for the intricate connections between land, farm production, water, and wildlife.
“I knew all of it because I live on a farm but I enjoyed every second of it.” – Yr 8 student after the trips
Huge thank you to Glendhu Station, Lake Hāwea Station and Criffel Station for hosting us all. To Chrissi from Te Kākano, Chris from MPI, Damian from Enviroschools and Greg from SLS for supporting these trips with your time, knowledge and expertise. And to the Wānaka A&P Foundation, with your support we were able to have the fabulous Nicky leading the WAI team providing the next generation with her wisdom and lived rural experiences.