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Students Bring Their Catchment Story to Life
4 June 2026
Students, whānau, project partners and community members gathered at Waikouaiti Primary School on 4 June to celebrate the unveiling of the new Waipaku mural.
Created by local artist and parent Nic Dempster, the mural is the latest outcome of the Waipaku Water Quality Project, which has seen students learning about the Waipaku Post Office Creek catchment through water quality monitoring, biodiversity investigations, eDNA sampling and hands-on fieldwork.
The artwork celebrates the unique features of the local catchment and the connections between people, place and environment. It brings together elements of the landscape, Waipaku Post Office Creek, the surrounding hills, native species, local heritage, and the stories that make this area special.
More importantly, the students helped shape the mural's content. Many of the species featured in the artwork were selected from observations and discoveries made during the water quality project, including species identified through fieldwork and eDNA monitoring.
Artist Nic Dempster, Waikouaiti School principal Stuart Cooke and the school’s pupils at the unveiling of the new mural
Waikouaiti Primary School Principal Stuart Cooke said it was rewarding to see the students' learning and sense of place brought together in such a visible and lasting way. He is incredibly grateful to the wider community that supported this important learning outside of the classroom.
"This is our story to tell."
The mural reflects many of the themes explored throughout the Waipaku Water Quality Project, including water quality, biodiversity, local history, cultural connections, and community involvement. It also provides a lasting reminder of the importance of caring for the catchment and understanding how waterways, wildlife and people are connected.
Artist Nic Dempster said the students were highly engaged throughout the design process and keen to see their ideas reflected in the final artwork.
"I am honoured to be trusted to take on this project. I was so impressed with the students and how much they wanted to be involved. They really wanted the hedgehog!"
Visitors are encouraged to take a closer look and see what they can spot. How many bird species can you find? Can you spot the clover?
Positioned prominently in the school's courtyard, the mural is one of the first things visitors see when they arrive. More than just an artwork, it serves as a celebration of learning, a connection to place, and a reminder of the role this generation will play in caring for the catchment.
While the mural marks an important milestone, it is also another step on a long journey. The relationships, knowledge and sense of stewardship developed through the project will continue to grow as students and the wider community remain connected to the health and future of the Waipaku catchment.
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