The Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust, a 2025 funding round recipient, are celebrating a year of meaningful progress through a vibrant programme of school-based events.
A recipient of $19,000 in funding from The Trusts, the organisation are advancing their vision of an accessible shared pathway linking the Manukau and Waitematā Harbour. This project will deliver long‑lasting cultural, social, environmental, and economic benefits for communities across West Auckland.
This support builds on contributions from Auckland Council and the Henderson‑Massey and Whau Local Boards, enabling a full and growing calendar of hands‑on learning experiences.
To date, nearly 1,500 students have taken part in activities that nurture physical wellbeing, deepen environmental understanding, and strengthen their connection to the awa. Throughout 2025, 17 schools participated in 20 environmental and water‑based activity days, with four more scheduled before year’s end.
These immersive experiences saw students kayaking through mangroves, trying coastal rowing, testing water quality, creating clay art inspired by nature, restoring native habitats, and learning vital water‑safety skills.
Rutherford College students spent a full day exploring the river, coastal rowing, kayaking, and assessing freshwater health.
Green Bay School and Rangeview Intermediate enjoyed a lively Splashy Nature Day at Archibald Park. Guided by Auckland Sea Kayaks, students paddled among mangroves, while Drowning Prevention Aotearoa taught the “Recognise, Respond, Rescue, Revive” water‑safety steps. Whau the People led creative clay‑making and a jigsaw map activity, and Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust provided hands‑on stream‑health education.
Kelston Primary and Ko Taku Reo took part in a Planting Day alongside Te Whau River Catchment Trust and Whau the People. Students learned about swales, how they reduce flooding and improve water quality, before planting native species to strengthen the local ecosystem.
Across every event, students and teachers shared enthusiastic feedback, reflecting a growing appreciation for the natural environment and the power of outdoor learning. With the Te Whau Pathway edging closer to reality, these collective efforts are helping shape a thriving, connected, and environmentally empowered West Auckland, and The Trusts is proud to support this impact through its grants programme.
