On 3-8 May, Te Taumutu Rūnanga once again hosted the Waterwise Te Waihora hui and it is now in its third year. It is a collaborative project between the Untouched World™ Charitable Trust, Environment Canterbury, Canterbury Community Trust, and Ngāi Tahu. This year,16 young people from nine Canterbury schools, supported by three Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) (outdoor education and sustainability degree course) mentors, had the opportunity to develop citizenship and leadership skills while learning about the complexity of water management.
Participants were given the opportunity to stay at the marae; this was an important aspect of the week as many had never experienced a marae stay before. They met rūnanga elders, and David Perenara-O’Connell spoke to them about Te Taumutu Rūnanga connection to Te Waihora through whakapapa and kaitiakitanga. During the six-day hui the participants also heard from various experts in the field of water management including representatives from the Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee, Central Plains Water, Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, Environment Canterbury, Waihora Ellesmere Trust and Whakaora te Waihora. They also met with environmental advocates who encouraged them to challenge and ask questions. Physical activities included water monitoring at Coe’s Ford and two working bees with the Department of Conservation at Irwell Conservation Area and Kaitorete Spit.
On the Friday afternoon, the students presented their ideas to an invited audience. This is often a highlight despite the stress of preparing for it, as they get to demonstrate the depth of their learning and the emotional connections they have made over the week. They also appreciate the opportunity to informally mix with representatives from the rūnanga as well as with Peri Drysdale and her team from the Untouched World™ Charitable Trust.
Students during one of the working bees at Kaitorete Spit.