The Mangaohoe Stream Project is a community initiative aimed at empowering local youth to engage with their environment by researching, planning, and taking action on the Mangaohoe Stream. A community meeting held on September 16, 2009, discussed possibilities for the stream's recreational development and how to involve youth in meaningful learning experiences. The project emphasizes community responsibility, collaboration between local schools, and immediate action to improve and celebrate the stream environment.

1. The Mangaohoe Stream Project

2. A community project focused on helping our youth become valued, active and visible members of our community. An idea proposed by …. Richard Hurrell (Community Police & Safer Communities Trust) Donna Dyet (SPLICE Learning Facilitator) Robyn Irving (Enviro–Schools Facilitator)

3. What if the youth of Te Awamutu were supported to research, plan, design and take action for the Mangaohoe Stream ? What are the possibilities ?

4. Meeting Structure Welcome Introductions Explanations Brainstorming – group ideas Discussion Recommendations Conclusion A Community Meeting was held September 16 th , 2009 to discuss the possibilities and consider actions. Community thoughts and suggestions from this meeting have been recorded and posted in this blog for further discussion.

5. Te Awamutu Mt Maungatautari Flowing from Mt Maungatautari through Te Awamutu to meet the Mangapiko Stream @ the Netball Courts. The Mangaohoi/ Mangaohoe Stream

6. Aerial photo of the Mangaohoi Stream’s path through Te Awamutu (past Scout Hall, through the Rose Garden and Memorial Park).

7. Christchurch’s Avon River – last century…

8. Planned recreational development…

9. Development of community access…

10. Planned development as town feature…

11. The Mangapiko – 1920s…

12. We have a Stream that runs through our town … The Mangaohoi Stream.

14. What do we know about our Stream ? It used to have lots of eels and fish. The banks are very steep in places. It floods - so the water level rises and falls. Trees and undergrowth grow thickly along the banks. There are three bridges over it in town and walkways through the parks. It’s a peat Stream – so the water is always brown.

16. Can we build some wharfs ? Can we go fishing in it ?

17. Could we clear it enough to put canoes in and paddle down ? Where could we get to ? Could we build flat bottomed boats like punts ?

18. Can we grow plants for the sides? Can we get rid of some trees so we can see it better ?

19. Can we clear it ?

20. Can we clean it up ?

21. ? ? ? ? ?

22. What are the keys to involving youth in meaningful learning and action around the Mangaohoi Stream ?

23. Keys to Taking Action From Community Meeting Celebrating success, Small achievements and progress Good publicity & promotion –awareness for whole community Good communication Seeing results Celebration Developing VISION. -a purpose for putting in effort. Developing awareness, & knowledge of the Stream Providing research resources , technological resources & interaction. Small immediate action for whole community Taking Action Developing community “responsibility” “ Buy-in” from the children & schools, family involvement Ownership, pride & recognition Involving passionate people Engaging People

24. Ideas for immediate action … ‘ Student Community’ Meeting … to engage local children and encourage project ownership. Students Report back to community ... in Courier, … in TA Online … in Shop windows Student Action Day All community schools Mixed age groups Facilitated Learning Activities Student Planning Meetings with Community Members Input & Guidance

25. What are your thoughts ?