Orewa College–16 November 2022

As part of their end of year activities, Year 10 students at Orewa College north of Auckland were able to select from a variety of outdoor projects, and six students chose to come to CUE Haven to help us with our summer maintenance work and to learn a little bit about forest restoration and New Zealand plants and animals.

Students Bryce, Eleanor, Emma D-G, Emma T, Kate and Tyrrell arrived at about 9:30 with teacher Sarah O’Donnell.

We spent some time getting acquainted over morning tea and then Mahrukh gave an overview of the CUE Haven restoration and the transformation of the former dairy farm into a native forest reserve for the community.

Thomas then gave a description of the work planned for the day and a safety briefing.

The task for the day was for the students to assist with trimming back vegetation that was growing over the walking tracks to make it easier for visitors exploring the CUE Haven bush.

Before we got started, Thomas gave a brief explanation and demo for the trimming work. We started near the top of the property and worked down so the group had a chance to explore different parts of the property.

As they moved down the track, Thomas pointed out features and aspects of the restoration project.  He explained in more detail the restoration plan and process, how to identify various trees and plants.  He showed them traps and bait boxes and explained the positive effects of controlling pest plants and animals.

In just a couple of hours the hard working group managed to trim back a large section of the main race as well as almost half of the main walking track.

When the trimming was finished, it was back to the cottage for a relaxing lunch.

Many thanks to teacher Janet Holliday for organizing the visit and teacher, Sarah for accompanying the students and for all her help and hard work today. 

And a special thanks to all the students for all their efforts today.  We enjoyed working with you all and we really appreciate your help.  Hope you enjoyed the day too.  You have made a very valued contribution by helping us get CUE Haven ready for the summer visitors who will be exploring the tracks you helped clean up and beautify—Thanks!   We hope that the visit has given you an appreciation and interest in nature and environmental studies and we look forward to having you back over the years.

Thank You!! Thank You!!