BACKThis term, Rangitoto College students have been actively engaging with Te Hononga ā Iwi, a vibrant local initiative dedicated to restoring New Zealand’s natural environment, preserving Māori heritage and supporting the wellbeing of our community.
From working bees clearing invasive plants to garden bees planting and caring for thriving native spaces, students have been fully engrossed in hands-on conservation. During the holidays, a team of enthusiastic volunteers joined forces to create and paint colourful educational signage that will soon guide visitors, sharing stories of the land’s biodiversity and rich cultural history. These sessions were filled with creativity, teamwork, and plenty of laughs, proving that volunteering can be as enjoyable as it is impactful.
Conservation relies on a diverse range of skills so even if hands-on work isn’t your thing there are many other ways to contribute. Some have channelled their expertise into business activation and graphic design, creating eye-catching resources, innovative concepts and engaging social media content that inspires greater community involvement.
The benefits reach far beyond environmental impact. Students gain real-world experience, build leadership and problem-solving skills and form strong friendships with like-minded peers. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day lifestyle, connect deeply with nature and make a visible difference.
Te Hononga ā Iwi invites all who want to contribute, learn and help create a sustainable, connected future.
Visit their website to learn more: https://www.restoringrosedalepark.org.nz/news
