Rural update 22nd February 2022
Here at WAI we have a busy year ahead and are looking to fill some exciting new roles. See below for details.
We’re also taking our primary education programme ‘Farmers as Kaitiaki’ online, with the field teams reporting in from work sites each day to update the students on their on-farm work.
In other news: ferrets, stoats and weasels are on the move in February. If you would like a hand with trapping, just get in touch.
WAI Wānaka – ‘Embracing te Taiao’ Primary School Programme
With students unable to come out to farm and schools closed to visitors the ‘Embracing te Taiao’ programme has gone online. To help with engagement in the classroom, we’ve set up a direct link with the JfN field crew through SLACK. The field crew take 30 seconds out of their day to post a quick video snippet of where they are and their mahi that day. Our rangatahi in the classroom are able to connect with action on farms across the Upper Clutha from the school grounds.
Once a week each of the seven year 8 classes at MAC will be given the opportunity to reply and ask questions to the crew. The goal being to engage and inspire young, passionate minds in the region and prepare them for action on farm when Covid restrictions have lifted. Later in the term we will look to engage a panel of farmers to link in remotely for a Q&A session with these same classes.
If you’re interested in being on the Q&A panel, please get in touch. We’re hoping that despite Covid restrictions we can still have students learning about the challenges and opportunities on-farm and all the amazing work farmers are doing as stewards of the land.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Native Plants – Enviro Series Workshop with Arne Cleland
March 11th, 9:30am
This workshop with native plant expert Arne Cleland is an opportunity to learn more about the native plants in our area – from endangered species, to ecological restoration, to riparian planting for improved water quality.
Arne originates from Wānaka and for 30 years owned Pukerau Nursery with his wife Jenny, continuing to source seeds from the Upper Clutha to grow eco-sourced plants for landowners here. Arne can answer your questions and provide information on how native planting can fit in with your farm system, and how to maintain your plantings to help ensure survival.
JOBS
Job Opportunities at WAI Wānaka
As we grow, we have some exciting new positions available in the WAI Wānaka team. If you or anyone you know are looking for a new role in a fast paced team please feel free to share the link below.
Roles include:
- Operations & Logistics Support – Jobs for Nature Field Team
- Community Activator – Urban Catchments and Wānaka Water Project Lead
- Action Group Coordinator & Communities of Practice Lead