This trip is also on Google Earth!
The LEARNZ team has created this field trip using Google Earth’s 3D mapping technology. Go to placemarks to explore key locations, get daily updates, watch video, view images and meet experts at each stop. Visit the tour during the field trip week to explore new content as it goes online each day.
Experience this trip on Google Earth >
Watch the introductory video for this field trip:
Introducing the River Restoration field trip from LEARNZ on Vimeo.
Tuesday 28 July
The Value of Awa to Mana Whenua
Come down to the Waikanae Awa and talk to Luke about the value of this awa to mana whenua. Discover what this awa provides and why we should all look after it.
Invertebrates in the Waikanae River
Drive up into the hills to explore the upper Waikanae River catchement and discover more about the critters that live in this awa.
Searching for Freshwater Fish
Get your waders on and venture into the Muaupoko Stream to check the fish traps that were set yesterday. Find out how these traps are set and what the catch of the day might tell us about the health of the awa.
The Waikanae Water Treatment Plant
Climb up on to a tower overlooking the Waikanae Water Treatment Plant and talk to Bruce the plant manager about how water from the Waikanae River is treated to provide people with safe drinking.
Wednesday 29 July
River Threats
Join Amanda from the Greater Wellington Regional Council down by the Waikanae Awa. See a model of a catchment and what happens when it rains, then find out more about the threats to our rivers.
Ideas for Monitoring Water Quality
Hunt for invertebrates in the Waikanae River and find out what they can tell us about the health of the awa. Look at other methods for monitoring your local awa.
Preparing for Flood Risk
Find out why floods are a major hazard in Aotearoa and what can be done to prepare for flooding.
River Flood Management
See how floods can be managed through structures, land use changes, and planting alongside waterways.
Thursday 30 July
Waikanae Reserve
Welcome to the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve. Talk to Robin about what makes this a special place and how it has changed over time.
Waikanae Estuary Care Group Nursery
Come into the nursery to find out how seeds are eco-sourced to grow in the estuary.
Let's Get Planting
Get your gumboots, gloves and shovel and come and help plant some native seedlings in the Waikanae Scientific Reserve. See how to do your own restoration planting.
River Restoration Plans and Challenges
Talk to Robin about the threats to the Waikanae Estuary and how these are managed to help restore the river ecosystem.
For help and more information about LEARNZ videos, go to Help with Videos in the LEARNZ Support section.
Video question sheet - Word (31k) | PDF (217k) | Google doc to use for each video (based on SOLO Taxonomy).
