2020 SoTM Conservation Winners
Dylan Lewis Y7 from Mahurangi College, Warkworth, being presented with the 2020 Supporters of Tiritiri Inc & Fullers 360 Science Conservation Primary Schools Award by acting principal Christina Merrick and Board of Trustees member Dr Ihirangi Heke at the end of year December 2020 Y7 Assembly.
Dylan was nominated by his Year 7 Homeroom teacher, Mrs Anne Taylor at Mahurangi College. She describes him as an inspiration to others with his thoughtful and pragmatic approach to protecting our environment.
After a visit to his school from Forest and Bird, Dylan decided to support his community by trapping rats, mustelads and possums in his local area. He began trapping at home in 2018 and then, after discussing with his neighbours, he began trapping in his local neighbourhood from October 2019. He has also volunteered in 2020 to be a part of the trapping team working in the Mahurangi College Bush restoration project.
Dylan initiated trapping to save the dotterel population at Snells Beach and shared his story with the class and in his previous school of Warkworth Primary School.
He has been featured in the SOSSI News (Sandspit SOS).
He has assisted Michelle Mackenzie with dotterel protection in Snells Beach.
Dylan volunteered to assist with the trapping team in the working in the Mahurangi College Bush restoration project.
Dylan traps for his local community, his school community and he assists in local conservation projects when he is able. E.g. helping to protect the dotterals.
The NIWA Auckland City Science and Technology Fair winner of the Supporters of Tiritiri Inc and Fullers 360 Science Conservation 2020 Award is Amelia Simmonds Y8 from Michael Park School Ellerslie.
Her project was on butterflies titled Bright Wings. The NIWA Science and Technology Ak Fair had to be judged online this year during August when in lockdown. The students presented their projects in pdf and were interviewed over Zoom by two to three judges. It was a Science and Technology Fair with a difference. The final prize giving in September was able to be in person with an audience at Kings School Hall in Remuera.