Te Arawa Catfish Killas

Lian Soh
3 days ago
1 min read

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Education Programme

Students gathered on the floor during a Te Arawa Catfish Killas environmental education presentation, learning about freshwater biosecurity and invasive catfish in the Te Arawa Lakes.

This article provides information about a science-related experience to support school planning.

The Te Arawa Catfish Killas is an at-place environmental education programme supporting students, teachers and the community to be kaitiaki in their local taiao.

Focussing on engaging students with freshwater biosecurity and biodiversity learning areas, ākonga are equipped with the knowledge and skills to assist with the management of brown bullhead catfish (an invasive freshwater species) in the Te Arawa Lakes.

Learning opportunities include in-school presentations and workshops, catfish dissection sessions, classroom ready education modules for teachers to self deliver, and hands-on field experiences at our netting location (Te Weta Bay, Lake Rotoiti) where kids monitor lake based biodiversity through netting and removal of the pest fish, and counting native species.

Further, we integrate mātauranga Māori through kōrero and drawing on local Te Arawa environmental knowledge to help share the values of Te Arawa Lakes Trust with all.

Learning Focus

Freshwater ecology, invasive species impact (biosecurity), scientific investigation through observation and interpretation of data, connection to taiao and kaitiakitanga, learning outside the classroom.

The programme runs all year round, and experiences can be tailored to suit the needs and capabilities of all schools, no matter the age group (i.e. there is something for everyone!).