Dunedin Town Belt about to get boost by schools

Student leaders are about to meet with community experts for inspiration on student-led projects in the Dunedin Town Belt.

On Sunday 18 February, Mayor Dave Cull will address the student leadership team and teachers participating in the Dunedin Town Belt Education Initiative.

They will then join a number of specialists to walk the length of the Town Belt, from Woodhaugh Garden to Southern Cemetery, and learn more about its potential as an outdoor classroom and site for student-led projects.

Opportunities include development of innovative technology for attracting wildlife, predator control, habitat restoration, improving recreation opportunities, past European and Māori use of the Town Belt, and effective community engagement.

Eight role model schools and early childhood centres have signed up for 2018, the Initiative’s first year. A student leadership team was put together and met for a workshop at the end of last year.

“The student leadership team have already developed a clear draft vision,” said education coordinator Claudia Babirat. “They’d like the Town Belt to be an urban sanctuary for people and wildlife.”

Modeled after the successful Kids Restore the Kepler and Kids Greening Taupo programmes, the collaborative community education programme is supported by a Strategic Leadership Group that includes representatives from Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Dunedin City Council, Department of Conservation, Dunedin Amenities Society, Otago Natural History Trust, University of Otago, Chamber of Commerce, Toitu, and role model schools.
This group hopes to have up to 30 schools and early childhood centres involved within the next five years.

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