Hosted by the West End Rowing Club
This autumn, the Te Whau Pathway Project partnered with the West End Rowing Club to deliver two days of engaging, hands-on outdoor learning along the Whau River. With a focus on coastal rowing, kayaking, and environmental exploration, students from Kelston Boys’ High School and Avondale Intermediate stepped outside the classroom and into nature — many for the very first time.
The initiative wasn’t just about trying new sports though. It was about connecting with the river, learning from the whenua, and encouraging tamariki and rangatahi to see themselves as part of their local environment. It also offered invaluable physical, social, and cultural learning experiences — all in the heart of their own community.
Kelston Boys’ High School on 17th March
For many students from Kelston Boys’, this was their first time rowing or kayaking—and the excitement was contagious.
“Everything that was on the water was good,” one student said, while another reflected that “The rowing was cool because it was full body exercise.”
Students particularly enjoyed exploring the mangroves by kayak, playing tag on the water, and navigating through bushes and tight waterways. Several students commented on the fun of getting wet, spotting birds, and mastering how to steer a kayak straight.
There was learning on land too—students went on a bush walk with Angus Campbell from the Te Whau Catchment Environment Trust, discovering native plants like kawakawa, mānuka, and kānuka, and learning what they’re used for.
“I learnt that kawakawa can be used to make tea—it’s peppery and spicy,” shared one student.
“It was my first time walking in the bush,” said another student, highlighting just how meaningful these outdoor moments were.
Later on inside the club, much fun was had on the rowing machines in friendly competitions.
Avondale Intermediate on 1st April
Two weeks later, Avondale Intermediate students had their turn at coastal rowing and kayaking.
“Kayaking was my favorite thing because we got to go out far and explore,” said one student. “Rowing with friends because we learnt how to work together,” said another.
The focus here was on teamwork, exploration, and environmental awareness. Students enjoyed learning how to row in sync and talked about the importance of leg power in moving a boat efficiently. Others were fascinated by the views from the river and the chance to learn new skills and being in a new environment.
Students also took part in lessons about the Whau River’s history, water quality testing (including pH and oxygen levels), and the ecology of the area, learning about whitebait, mud snails, and native trees.
“I learnt that the Whau was a tree,” one student said.
“Learning how to get into a boat” was a highlight for another.
What next?
The Te Whau Pathway Project and West End Rowing Club hope to continue offering these opportunities to connect young people with their river, not just through sport, but through place-based learning, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.
With continued collaboration and support from generous funders, our initiatives like this can grow, helping more schools and local groups experience the Whau River in a new way — on the water, through paddles, oars, and shared purpose of kaitiakitanga.
Big thanks to the New Zealand Government, Henderson Massey and Whau Local Boards and The Trusts for the funding that helps make these events possible. Thanks also to the Auckland Council for providing project management and coordination. A shout out to bus company K/NET/C for the free bus transport for the rangatahi and the schools who have so willingly participated.
Photo Galleries
Avondale Intermediate Photo Gallery
Kelston Boys Photo Gallery
About this event
| Date | Wednesday 5th March 2025, Tuesday Friday 1st April 2025 |
| Location | West End Rowing Club, Avondale |
| Type | Awa Connection Day, Nature Day |
| Who | Auckland Council (Park Rangers), Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, Sea Cleaners, Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust, West End Rowing Club |
| Schools | Kelston Boys’ High School, Avondale Intermediate |
| Funders |
