The Waipaku Water Quality Project brings together Waikouaiti Primary School students, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Otago Enviroschools, and the East Otago Catchment Group to better understand the health of Waipaku Post Office Creek and build stronger connections with the local awa.

Supported by the Otago Participatory Science Fund, the project focuses on educating students about how to measure, record, analyse, and present different aspects of water quality within their local catchment.

Over several months, students carried out repeated monitoring and observations across three sites in the lower catchment. This included regular water quality testing, stream observations, eDNA sampling, and learning about the impacts of sediment on aquatic habitats and freshwater species.

Through the project, students and the wider community developed a stronger understanding of the factors affecting water quality, how land use influences waterways, and the practical actions that can help improve catchment health.

The project has already helped guide further restoration planning within the catchment. Current outcomes include:

• a student-led presentation documenting the project findings

• planning for native planting within the Hawksbury Bush DCC Water Reserve

• proposed installation of two sediment traps

• stock exclusion fencing on private land

The project continues to build momentum through ongoing restoration planning, community involvement, and practical actions aimed at improving water quality and habitat within the catchment.