Let's change our ways to change our waterways

At School

Actions schools can take

• Keep grounds tidy so litter doesn't go down drains or gutters
• Do not dispose of chemicals/paint/cleaning water directly into drains 92kB
• Hold carwashing fundraisers either at a commercial carwash or on school grounds such as fields or grassy areas - not on concrete quads or carparks where water runoff runs straight into the stormwater drains
• Start a streamcare group for local streams or waterways, especially if any run through the school grounds.

Environment Canterbury’s Waitaha Wai water education programme

Environment Canterbury with the help of Christchurch City Council have produced a water education programme booklet “Waitaha Wai: Waterways of Christchurch” which is designed to educate young people and their communities about the importance of water and waterways in their local environment and how to maintain them for future generations.

Copies of this booklet can be obtained from Environment Canterbury’s Education Team email education@ecan.govt.nz or visit www.ecan.govt.nz/education for more information.

Merrin School Girls lead by example

Nine-year-olds donate to Improving Urban Waterway Programme

Environment Canterbury received a welcome $176 donation from three nine-year-old students from Merrin School in Avonhead, Christchurch.

Beth Wray, Rebecca Franks and Miah Jamieson decided they wanted to do something to increase public awareness of the issues surrounding waterway heath in the community where they live and go to school.

The trio created pamphlets and posters which highlighted what they saw as the issues for the Avon River/Ōtākaro. They talked to friends, family and people in their community and sought donations at Avonhead Mall after completing a school study on water resources.

Environment Canterbury’s Director of External Relations Jackie Curtis said the girls have raised awareness in their community to improve and restore our urban waterways.

“After talking with the girls we agree the donation should go towards purchasing plants to help restore ecosystems around Christchurch waterways,” said Jackie Curtis.

Riverside planting of ferns, flaxes and shrubs can help to trap and filter the sediment and rubbish that is commonly washed from roads, driveways and other hard surfaces into the city’s waterways.

“Their imaginative hand-drawn pamphlet shows some of the effects of litter and rubbish on the Avon River/Ōtākaro and the threats to wildlife in our urban waterways.

“Their messages align with our recent advertising campaign based around let’s change our ways to change our waterways.”

Environment Canterbury is working with the Christchurch City Council to find an appropriate planting location and will involve the three girls so they can see the results of their fund-raising.

“These young girls are an inspiration to us all and their enthusiasm for taking responsibility and making a difference in their community reminds us we all have a role in protecting and improving our urban waterways,” said Jackie Curtis.

It's raining, it's pouring

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