Primary pupils the 'voice of the water'

Queenstown Primary School pupils have taken matters into their own hands when it comes to protecting the environment.

An advertising campaign led by Year 5 and 6 pupils launched on the back of Queenstown buses on Tuesday, 11 June, with the pupils eager to share an important message with the community.

The pupils say they were keen to be "the voice of the water" after their learning through Enviroschools that healthy water means a healthy environment and people.

The advert was developed from posters made by the pupils, with help from Enviroschools Otago and Otago Regional Council.

Enviroschools Regional Coordinator - Central Chelsea Donnelly says: “The Enviroschools kaupapa is about empowering pupils and having sustainable communities. The pupils have learnt about the importance of caring for our local environment and that they can take action to bring about change.”

As part of their learning, the pupils also visited Horne Creek to investigate water health, testing with a Stream Health Monitoring and Assessment Kit. They also looked at the areas the water travels through and the human impacts.

Two classes worked with Queenstown Lakes District Council to plant the banks of the creek, while one class chose to educate the community about Horne Creek and the impact everyone can have on its wellbeing, resulting in the bus back advertising.

The advertisement promotes the importance of clean water and highlights Otago Regional Council’s Pollution Hotline, which is staffed 24/7 to respond immediately to reports of pollution of waterways, air, land, and coastal marine areas.

In a message to the pupils, ORC Councillor Alexa Forbes said: “Thank you for being the voice for water. Nature is our most valuable resource and all of nature is connected by water – so you can see its value.

"Protecting water is difficult because so many things put it under threat. To love the ecosystems water creates and feeds is a fantastic way to protect it. Please continue this work and take it with you into all parts of your life.”