Preschoolers take initiative to save local eels
Tamariki (children) from two Rangiora preschools are restoring their local stream, with help from Enviroschools and Waimakariri District Council (WDC).
After a storm in 2024 knocked down trees on the Northbrook Stream, local preschool students were concerned about the lack of shade for tuna/eels.
Little Peppertree and Peppertree Preschool sought support from WDC and Enviroschools to replant alongside the stream, stabilise the bank and encourage tuna to return.
“We would come here often and teach the kids about eels, but since the bank is destabilised, it’s too dangerous to have them close to the stream,” said Emma Richards, a kaiako (teacher) at Little Peppertree Preschool.
Council and Enviroschools lend a hand
Waimakariri Enviroschools facilitator Siobhán Culhane met with the preschool kaiako to discuss an action plan.
“It was clear the tamariki deeply cared about the tuna and their environment,” said Siobhán.
“Bringing them into the restoration process not only supports the return of tuna but also empowers them to see how their voices and actions can make a real difference in their community.”
220 native trees have been planted since the storm, with roots that will help stabilise the bank as they grow, creating a safe spot for tamariki to view the aquatic life. These native plants will also, eventually, provide shade over this part of the stream, hopefully encouraging tuna to return to their hiding spots.
Tamariki getting stuck in to the planting
Siobhán and Kate Steel, biodiversity ecologist at WDC, showed the tamariki some of the freshwater invertebrates and bullies (fish) that can be found in Northbrook Stream. They were lucky enough to see a tuna up close, learning about its unique features, like the way its skin wrinkles when it bends, and the incredible journey it takes to breed near Tonga.
The tamariki were especially fascinated to learn how Kate had set up the net the night before, which successfully caught a large tuna. They learned that cat food and raw chicken are, surprisingly, an irresistible meal for tuna!
Funding allocated for restoration work
In June, Little Peppertree and Peppertree Preschools were awarded funding through the Enviroschools Action Fund, a great example of how empowered tamariki can drive real change.
This money will go towards working collaboratively with the WDC design team to create an educational sign that will be installed beside this newly restored area so that the community can understand the aroha (love) the tamariki have for these tuna and the difference their voice can make to helping them hopefully return to Northbrook Stream one day.
“This funding will help bring greater visibility to the restoration efforts and celebrate the connection the tamariki have to this special place,” said Siobhán. “It's not just about planting—it's about nurturing curiosity, leadership and long-term kaitiakitanga.”
Checking out the huge eel caught
“With some of this money, we plan to purchase a net and come down regularly to learn more about the eels and nature here,” explained Emma. “We look forward to continuing work alongside Enviroschools and WDC to enhance this section of Northbrook Waters.”
Educating our future leaders
Enviroschools is an environmental action-based programme where young people are empowered to design and lead sustainability projects in their schools, neighbourhoods, and cities.
We coordinate the Enviroschools programme in Canterbury, working alongside Toimata and our regional partners to create a vibrant and supportive regional Enviroschools network.
Our team of experienced facilitators work alongside schools/centres to guide, motivate and support ākonga (students), tamariki and kaiako as they grow their Enviroschools journey, helping to nurture lifelong kaitiaki of our natural world.