Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors (ATYA)
Project Janszoon ATYA Programme
Project Janszoon, DOC and iwi launched the Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors Programme (ATYA) in 2014 to foster the future kaitiaki (guardians) of the National Park and inspire the next generation of scientists and environmentalists.
Motupipi School has been proud to partner with Project Janszoon and the Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors. Located on the doorstep of the northern entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park, our school feels a natural responsibility to act as kaitiaki/guardians who help preserve and enhance this taonga. The programme provides our Ambassadors with a unique opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded peers.
One of the special features of being an Ambassador is belonging to a core group of other ambassadors throughout the five different schools. Over the year, this builds a strong team and environment where students are able to learn through experience, grow as leaders and also pass on their knowledge learnt as an ambassador to their peers and community members. Our students learn so much from the Project Janszoon facilitator and the many local community members they learn with throughout the weekend-based activities and overnight learning opportunities.
Motupipi School Adopted Section: Wainui sandspit to Taupo Point
Motupipi Primary School has ‘adopted’ the section from Wainui sandspit through to Taupo Point – one of the park’s most culturally significant sites. The history and ecological diversity of this section of the park provides students with a rich learning opportunity.
The whole school is involved with the site, with students connecting their experiences in the park back to what they are learning in school. Younger students begin by learning about plants, native wildlife and pest animals on the sandspit; while older students are involved with monitoring of bird species, weta and plants and comparing how they change year on year.
Wainui sandspit is a Fire Smart priority site and students and their families have also been working with DOC and Project Janszoon’s restoration supervisor to reduce the fire risk in the area. They have helped remove flammable plants like gorse, planned and undertaken planting, and carried out weeding. It’s fantastic to see how well the school has embraced this site and the learning opportunities it presents.
Opportuntity for our students
The success of the Project Janszoon Abel Tasman Youth Ambassador programme lies in its current balance of hands-on conservation and leadership development for our students. Four of our senior students are interviewed and chosen to proudly be part of the Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors (ATYA) programme each year.
