Learning through the Whau River
Iqra School’s students have spent two special days this winter learning, creating, and adventuring along the Whau awa.
On the 19th of June, Year 6 Iqra students walked from school to Ken Maunder Park for a morning of environmental discovery. Along the way they picked up litter before being welcomed into the kaupapa of the day—kaitiakitanga of Te Whau, or caring for their local environment.
Students rotated between two activities: a guided river walk where they explored the awa’s ecology, plants, and waterways while using binoculars to spot local birds, and a creative workshop using natural paint brushes to paint with Whau the People near Rata Street. The morning ended with reflections and a karakia, with students heading back to school inspired to protect and enjoy their awa.
A month later, on August 14th, Year 7 and Year 8 students visited the Whau for an Awa Connection Day at the West End Rowing Club. This time they got out on the water—learning water safety, trying coastal rowing, and paddling kayaks into the mangroves with guidance from West End Rowing Club and Auckland Sea Kayaks.
I liked how we spent a lot of time in nature and we learned about the place here — how special it is. Also, I thought that rowing was going to be harder! And it was hard at first when I first tried it, but was fun when I got used to it.
Reham Sabto (12)
At the same time, Catherine Albiston (Te Whau Pathway Project) led groups on a bush walk along the Kurt Brehmer Walkway, where students explored local ecology, tested water quality, and carried out a litter clean-up.
Ameerah Khan (11) first heard about the Whau River at school and was surprised to learn how far it stretches beyond New Lynn into Avondale. She thinks her parents and siblings didn’t really know about the river until she told them it’s a big river in Auckland – and that it was named after a tree of the same name!
The day wrapped up with reflections on the health of the awa and the importance of kaitiakitanga.
I liked rowing because it taught teamwork, the walk because I learned about Māori plants and nature, and kayaking because of the scenery and trees along the water. Even with a cast I could row by using just my fingers. I sat in the middle for rowing and at the front for kayaking.
Fatima Patel (12)
Both experiences, delivered with the support of Te Whau Pathway Project, Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust, EcoMatters, Whau the People, Auckland Council, West End Rowing Club, and Auckland Sea Kayaks, gave Iqra School students a chance to see, feel, and care for their local awa. They walked away not only with new skills and memories but also with a stronger sense of connection and responsibility for the Whau awa.
Awa Connection Day photo gallery
Meet the Whau Day photo gallery
