Tuesday 26 November saw 37 year 10 students and 4 teachers heading down to Ngā Manu nature reserve, in Waikanae.

Students and teachers had a good day exploring the reserve, getting up close to many native species, water testing and enjoying the beautiful weather.

We were met by Rhys from Ngā Manu and given a brief introduction to the work being carried out at Ngā Manu and the significance of the bush area being the largest remaining remnant of swamp forest in the lower North Island.

Students then had the task to find as many examples of native species that they could, and provide photographic proof that they had found the species at Ngā Manu. This was an opportunity for students to explore the reserve, both the bird aviaries and the bush walk.

Sausages and bread were available for lunch on BBQ Island, where students were given the chance to try their hand at determining the clarity and pH of the pond water.

 One group of students found themselves up close to a pear eating tui, who decided to use one student’s arm as a resting spot. While other students got up close to the kea and discovered how these birds have earned the title of being one of the most intelligent birds in the world.

The day was finished off with a trip to the eel feeding area, where we heard about the life cycle of eels and some of the threats to our long and short finned eels.

Thank you to our year 10 students for a great day at Nga Manu.

We would also like to acknowledge the support that the Philipp Family Foundation Charitable Trust give us by fully funding our trips to Ngā Manu, without this support , we would not be able to make this trip available for so many students.