Kerikeri Kindergarten is thrilled to have been named a finalist in this year’s New Zealand Biosecurity Awards for an initiative which teaches pupils to become guardians of the forest.

The kindy is among 27 finalists named from a pool of 70 entries for the awards which recognise biosecurity champions making a difference to protect New Zealand’s unique environment from pests and diseases.

Teacher Scott Hunter said the kindy’s Ngahere programme involves taking 10 of the oldest children into the bush on private land outside of Kerikeri for a few hours each week.

Youngsters learn how to trap pests like rats and possums, along with other practical skills such as making huts and cooking on a campfire. They also learn about native flora and fauna and problems like kauri dieback.

Read the full stroy in the Northern Advocate