Fun learning activities enable children to become Nelson Lakes Kiwi Rangers

Date:  13 September 2010

Children visiting Nelson Lakes National Park are being offered the chance to become honorary rangers through a new fun conservation learning programme.

The Nelson Lakes Kiwi Ranger programme has been launched as part of Conservation Week this week, 12-19 September. Park visitors can earn the title of Nelson Lakes Kiwi Ranger through carrying out interactive activities from which they can learn more about the natural features and history of the Nelson Lakes area.

The Kiwi Ranger programme was created by Otago University design senior lecturer and environmental designer Dr Mick Abbott and his wife Carli Richter after seeing the United States national park junior ranger programme on which it is based. With Otago University sponsorship they began piloting the programme in New Zealand, in Arthur’s Pass and Aoraki national parks, the Otago Orokonui Ecosanctuary and now Nelson Lakes National Park.

Department of Conservation Nelson Lakes ranger Petrina Carter said the programme involved getting out into nature as an active learning experience and suited families, school groups, and adults as well as youngsters.

“The Kiwi Ranger programme enables visitors to gain greater awareness and appreciation of what is special about Nelson Lakes National Park and to share in caring for it.

“The activities in the booklet encourage kiwi kids to explore in the park and find out information about its history, natural environment and recreating within it. There are 15 activities in all including identifying bird calls and plants, a scavenger hunt, a word search, pinpointing the impacts of pests, and hiking to a hut.

“The number of activities required to be achieved depends on the age of the participant and when they have done them they are presented with a certificate and a badge that shows they are Nelson Lakes Kiwi Rangers. The badges bear an image of a long-finned eel against the scenic backdrop of Lake Rotoiti – the lakes and the eels within them being particularly symbolic of Nelson Lakes National Park.”

Lake Rotoiti School students have been the first to be presented with Nelson Lakes Kiwi Ranger activity booklets.

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