Young Enviroleaders take action for braided rivers and to protect wrybill
Young people are stepping up as leaders for Canterbury’s environment, with ākonga (students) from Enviroschools across the Waimakariri district advocating for change and protection of braided rivers, home to unique native species such as the wrybill.
Held at the Ashley/Rakahuri River, the recent student-led Enviroleaders day brought together 25 participants, including students and teachers from five local schools: Tihiraki North Loburn, Ashley Rakahuri, Cust, Fernside, and Clarkville.
Supported by Environment Canterbury’s Enviroschools facilitator Siobhán Culhane and community partners, including Environment Canterbury Councillor Claire McKay and the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group (ARRG), the day was a powerful demonstration of the Enviroschools kaupapa with youth leadership in action for the environment.
Rather than just learning about the environment, students took the lead, teaching each other, sharing knowledge, and taking hands-on action to help protect the river and its wildlife.
Learning by leading
Throughout the day, students facilitated and led a range of activities focused on freshwater and braided river ecosystems.
From exploring freshwater scarcity and the importance of wai, to investigating river invertebrates and learning about braided river species like the wrybill (ngutu pare), the day centred on peer-led learning and real-world connection.
One standout moment saw students from Tihiraki North Loburn demonstrate freshwater scarcity by placing a single drop of water in each participant’s hand, a simple but powerful reminder of how precious water is.
Clarkville students guided their peers through hands-on science, exploring freshwater invertebrates as indicators of river health, while others led creative activities such as making clay wrybill models to deepen connections with native species.
Students from across the region work together to remove weeds from a braid.
"This event reminded me of how precious water is and what actions I can take to conserve it," said Rai from Cust School.
Protecting the braided river ecosystem
Braided rivers are rare and dynamic ecosystems, found in only a few places around the world. In Aotearoa New Zealand, they are home to unique native species such as the wrybill, the only bird in the world with a sideways-curving bill.
However, these ecosystems are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, predators, human disturbance and invasive weeds. Weeds can overtake open gravel nesting areas, provide cover for predators, and alter the natural river system.
In response, students rolled up their sleeves and got to work, weeding a section of the riverbed to help restore habitat for native species, putting kaitiakitanga into action.
“Weeding together was actually pretty fun,” said Logan from Tihiraki North Loburn School.
Young voices driving change for wrybill
A key highlight of the day was the leadership shown by Year 3 students from Fernside School, who are already advocating for real change in their community.
The students have presented a petition calling for a bylaw to restrict 4WD vehicles and dogs on the river during wrybill’s sensitive nesting periods: an initiative supported by much of their school community.
Their efforts have already gained attention, with the petition submitted to Waimakariri Council and Mayor Dan Gordon visiting the school to acknowledge their mahi.
Students left the day inspired by each other and with a strengthened sense that their actions matter.
"It was cool to meet other enviroleaders and the Year 3s were really brave," said Jesse from Tihiraki North Loburn School.
The moment highlighted the power of youth voice, showing how even the youngest members of the community can influence decision-making when they stand behind something they care about.
Students left the day inspired by each other and with a strengthened sense that their actions matter.
Jesse from Tihiraki North Loburn School making his clay wrybill model
"This has opened my eyes about future action I can take to help the wrybills," said Molly from Cust School.
Enviroschools empowers youth
For many involved, the day reinforced the impact of Enviroschools in empowering young people to be changemakers.
"This was a fab day… our kids had a really valuable day. The size was great for them to present to - not too daunting," said Anna Webb, Deputy Principal at Tihiraki North Loburn School.
Community partners were equally impressed.
"I very much enjoyed Friday’s session on the river. You organised an excellent event, and it was very rewarding to see the level of awareness and interest - particularly at that primary ‘leaders of the future’ level," said Nick from the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group.
Find out how our Youth Engagement and Education programmes connect students with Canterbury’s environment through hands-on learning.