Local School Scoring Conservation Goals

Environmental News Issue 20 Spring 2009

Television personality Ruud Kleinpaste aka “The Bug Man” was recently at Okiwi School to present the school with a cheque for $5000. Ruud represented the Kids Restore New Zealand Fund which recognises outstanding efforts by young people in local conservation. Okiwi school has been maintaining a rat control and monitoring programme in the patch of remnant native lowland forest around the Okiwi Stream for some eight years.
Across Aotea Rd to the south Okiwi School have done extensive native planting in a wetland area. Ruud recognised the “outstanding efforts” of the principal Colin Griffiths and teacher Brian Reed in promoting conservation education.