West Coast students gain hands-on conservation experience

The initiative brought together 13 local businesses and 34 industry experts, with TPP students contributing 528 volunteer hours towards conservation efforts.

Zak Shaw, Nature Economy Project Lead, explained the trip was designed to test the delivery of a new educational tourism experience, enabling students to connect with the people and communities of South Westland, engage with local business operators, learn about conservation and ecology, and contribute directly to the health of the environment.

Students assisted the Ōkārito Native Plant Trust with nursery jobs, walking track maintenance, and eco-sourcing of native plants. Ian Cooper from Okarito Kiwi Tours joined them at the Donovan’s Store to share his passion and experience, before the group headed out to listen for Kiwi at night.

During a boat ride on Lake Mapourika, Franz Josef Wilderness Tours staff discussed tourism job opportunities and the area’s natural history. In the rainforest, students learned from the team at Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) about the cutting-edge technology they are using to boost biodiversity across 107,000 hectares as part of the Predator Free South Westland initiative.

The educational journey continued with Franz Josef Glacier Guides, who spent time with the group in the Franz Valley to discuss glacial processes, climate change impacts and offer advice on tourism guiding strategies.

TPP students also assisted the Department of Conservation in enhancing Te Kopikopiko o te Waka. Ngāti Māhaki representative Maya Mahuika, provided insights into the site's creation and shared a series of pūrākau (legends), highlighting South Westland’s cultural heritage.

Reflecting on the experience, Gertje Koenig, an international student at TPP, described the week as incredibly valuable.

"I’m grateful of being part of this contributing to conservation work and I appreciate the opportunity to give back to Ōkārito Plant Nursery, and learning about the district’s cultural heritage was interesting and motivating. Their deep commitment to the area’s preservation was inspiring and moving. In general as a foreigner it is awesome and encouraging to see NZ’s commitment to conservation in action,” Koenig said.

Zak Shaw also acknowledged the invaluable support from various businesses and organisations that contributed to the programme’s success. In addition to those already mentioned, he thanked Sam Von Speight from NZ Landcare Trust for coaching students on plant identification, Matheson Café for providing a welcoming base with great food and coffee, Glacier Valley Eco Tours for facilitating learning about native plant eco-sourcing; the Ōkārito Native Plant Trust for providing resources for a planting session on retired farmland (Sullivan family project); and Fox Glacier Guiding for participating in the planting and hosting the group while offering insights into glacier guiding and industry opportunities.