Adventures with Matua Jake

In July & August, our Tahatai Kai Growers had Matua Jake working with them while Whaea Clare was away on leave. Matua's a parent, an educator and an avid environmentalist. He's passionate about sharing his love of nature and was stoked to work with our tamariki here at TCS.

The children proudly showed Matua around their gardens and the school's other beautiful nature spaces!

The juniors searched for creepy crawlies and learnt that an ‘invertebrate’ is an animal without a backbone. They marveled at the life they found outside their class and much wonder and squeals of delight were shared.

All children enthusiastically dived into a ‘native plant treasure hunt’ and discovered many unique native plants... everyone was amazed by how many uses our native plants have - one being used for everything from insect repellent to toothache!

Turns out everyone had a sweet tooth, so juice from our school's orange trees was made, and a native fruit named titoki was discovered... although only a few hardy souls enjoyed the rather astringent, “acquired” taste! But as a favourite kai of our kereru, we decided it was worth planting and sowed some seeds

We learnt how many native animals have been lost from Papamoa, but also how through protecting and restoring their habitats we can bring them back! We also planted vege seedlings, harvested (and ate) broccoli shoots and weeded & mulched the gardens...

And to finish off, the students made banana pancakes! It was the perfect way to end a wonderful time together 😊😋

A big thank you to everyone involved!