TOP TEAM: Challenge Winners Aadesh, left, and Arlette testing their modified perched culvert.
PHOTOS: KARLA KARAITIANA
Students from 12 local primary and intermediate schools competed in Horizons Regional Council's Challenge Day at Totara Reserve last Thursday to celebrate Conservation Week.
The challenge was run in an Amazing Race style, with teams of two competing in various environmental challenges. Each task was created to encourage the next
generation to learn about their local natural environment, with the focus of this year's challenge being how they can contribute to it's sustainability.
Stations included activities such as identifying native and introduced fish, freshwater invertebrates and plants as well as labelling predator tracks. Students also competed in 'Are you a Surviva?'- a game to help prepare children for an emergency event.
HRC environmental educator Helen Thomas says it's fantastic to see so many returning schools, alongside some new additions.
This year, first prize went to Palmerston North Intermediate Normal duo Aadesh Ganugapati and Arlette Jackman who entered last minute. Their teacher Kyle Harris picked the duo due to their keen interest in the environment and sustainability. The fact that they won, he says, is the "icing on the cake".
