Connecting young people to the Whau River

For many people in West Auckland, the Whau River flows quietly in the background, nearby but largely disconnected from their everyday lives.

The Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust is working to change that.

For more than a decade, the Trust has helped local communities connect with the awa (river) as part of the wider Te Whau Pathway Project, which aims to create a continuous link between the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours.

Auckland Council partners with Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and the Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust to deliver the Te Whau Pathway and support community engagement, environmental restoration and active transport initiatives across West Auckland.

A key part of this work is engaging young people through hands-on learning experiences that take them out of the classroom and into the environment. 

The Nature Day programme is provided at no cost for schools, but access is not always guaranteed. For many schools, transport costs can make access to these experiences difficult.

“Being able to get students out onto the river is where the real learning happens, and Kinetic’s support through its 2025 Moving Communities Fund has been vital in making that possible,” says Tony Miguel, Chair of the Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust. 

Through the Trust’s Nature Days, thousands of students have had the opportunity to get out on the water, many for the very first time. Activities range from kayaking and canoeing to water quality testing, rubbish clean-ups, native planting and nature-based art. 

These experiences are designed to be practical and immersive, helping students better understand the ecosystems around them and the role they can play in protecting them. 

Alongside environmental learning, students are introduced to basic water safety skills and taught how to stay safe on and around the water. For those who may not otherwise have access to activities like kayaking or boating, the programme builds confidence and opens up new possibilities. 

Mr Miguel said students who begin the day unsure or hesitant often leave feeling proud and accomplished.

“For some, it is not only their first time on the Whau River, but their first time engaging with any type of open water environment,” he said.

“It’s extremely rewarding to see students finish the day with huge smiles on their faces. We hope these are experiences they’ll remember forever.”

With in-kind support from Kinetic’s Moving Communities Fund, the Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust has been able to deliver additional Nature Days, enabling more than 250 students who may have otherwise missed out to experience the Whau River firsthand.

With growing interest from schools and strong word-of-mouth between teachers, the programme continues to expand. The Trust is hoping 2026 will be its biggest year yet, aiming to deliver 10 events, reaching approximately 1,200 students. 

By giving young people the chance to experience the awa first hand, the Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust is helping foster lasting connections with the Whau River, while inspiring the next generation of kaitiaki (guardians) to care for the environment for years to come.

Applications are now open for Kinetic’s Moving Communities Fund for 2026. For more information or to apply, visit wearekinetic.com/community.