Our wonderful prefects have launched a new initiative this year, working alongside Auckland Council.  Westlake Girls has essentially ‘adopted’ Smith’s Bush, next to Netball North Harbour and Onewa Domain. Started by the Environmental Prefects, under the leadership of Anja Filip, more than 60 students have signed up to come kaitiaki (guardians) of the land.

Here Anja outlines the first field trip to Smith’s Bush.

On Wednesday 1 June, Westlake Kaitiaki held its first trip to Smith’s Bush. This was the start of our Adopt A Park project (in the field).

We met with Anna, the Auckland Council Park ranger we are working with on the project. The trip was our introductory visit, an opportunity to learn about the history, biodiversity and threats posed to Smith’s Bush. Westlake Kaitiaki were able to see the bush we are protecting and where we will be carrying out our conservation work. We are excited to continue to protect the natural environment and expand our knowledge on environmental issues and how we can help through practical conservation.

Recently we also had the group’s first education session inside the classroom. The group was presented with a background on Aotearoa’s biodiversity history, the threats of mammalian predators to the land and how we are going to help. We learnt about the biodiversity of Smith’s Bush and its relationship with possums, stoats, rats etc. This was a great opportunity for students to receive some environmental education around pest monitoring and control, before we soon start this ourselves. 

As a group, around 60 students, Westlake Kaitiaki, will be soon starting pest monitoring. Going into term 3 we will be commencing pest control, freshwater testing/monitoring, removal of invasive plants and more. 

Here are some comments from members of Westlake Kaitiaki who attended out first trip to Smith’s Bush:

“Despite the wet and slippery conditions, we really enjoyed being introduced to Smith’s Bush and all the amazing flora and fauna inside. Anna, the Park Ranger, was very lovely and taught us how to distinguish between the many different plants that reside within the bush, such as the kawakawa and the puriri. We thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to preserving it in the future.” 

• Yan Qi Lok, Adriana Tobin and Ishani Soni

“The first trip to Smith’s Bush was amazing. I got to learn new plants I’ve never heard of, and walking through the bush was refreshing.”

• Cassandra Atalan

“Prior to joining the Westlake Kaitiaki, we’ve never been as involved in environmental conservation groups, especially around our community so we’ve been really keen to take this opportunity. Alongside this, it was great to be around a group of like-minded people, providing a sense of sisterhood and a shared appreciation for the beauty of Smith’s Bush. Despite having visited once, we’ve learned so much about the native ecosystem and the ways we can help, whether big or small. The experience inspired us to be more protective of our community, promote biodiversity and be aware of how our actions now can positively impact the future.”

• Yasmeen and Natasha 

“Our trip to Smith’s Bush was definitely an experience to remember. It was a very calming experience mindfully walking through the bush and we also got to learn so much more about our local bush, its history, its threats, and what we could do to preserve it. There were so many amazing, native trees, their beautiful green fingers stretching up toward the sky; the gentle sound of birds flying overhead, while water gently flowed beneath us. My peers and I are definitely looking forward to getting started on our work to ensure the generations to come can enjoy the richness of the bush, just as we did!”

• Diya Kansara