2052 days ago

Kids Greening Taupō's online success

Chris Marshall Reporter from Taupō Times

The nationwide Covid-19 lockdown has provided an opportunity for innovation and creativity for Kids Greening Taupō, as demand surges for the organisation’s online materials.

The Kids Greening Taupō programme – initiated in 2014 - is based on the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Collaborative Community Education Model and was the first programme to test and pilot this model.

The model which focuses on place-based education, student-led conservation change, and collaboration across communities has been rolled out across the country, said Taupō-based DOC Outreach and Education Co-ordinator Kerryn Penny.

The Kids Greening Taupō Nature Connectors series encourages parents or caregivers to get children outside and engaged with nature through a variety of simple activities and challenges. The Online Nature Classroom has different themes every week and a strong inquiry and observation aspect, such as identifying pests and making tracking tunnels, including information linked to DOC resources.

The lessons are designed to become permanent education resources.

Kids Greening Taupō Education Co-ordinator Rachel Thompson said the likelihood of a COVID-19 lockdown saw staff develop online materials for activities that children could do in their neighbourhood.

“We’ve been posting (online) right from day one of the lockdown. We believe connecting to nature for mental and physical well-being is more important than ever at a time like this.”

Kids Greening Taupō had done an amazing job of providing fun, practical activities to engage young people and their whānau with nature, said Penny.

Kids Greening Taupō is an offshoot of Greening Taupō, a non-profit group, and it is part of the local Taupō Environmental Education Collaborative which comprises a range of organisations providing Environmental Education programmes and support – including the Department of Conservation (DOC). The organisation has also received grants from DOC’s Community Conservation Fund to support its work.

For more information on Kids Greening Taupō visit www.kidsgreeningtaupo.org.nz...

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4 days ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.9% Complete
  • 16.1% Hmm, maybe?
    16.1% Complete
  • 11% Yes!
    11% Complete
708 votes
8 hours ago

Celebrate in Style: Craft Your Own Decor with Testpots

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Create handcrafted celebrations using Resene testpots. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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1 day ago

Secure your homes over summer

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.

Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”

Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”

If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.

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