Menzies Students Lend a Hand for Local Wildlife
On Friday 22 May, a group of senior students from Menzies College rolled up their sleeves to support a community planting day along a stream that feeds into the Wyndham Wildlife Refuge oxbow.
Organised by the Three Rivers Catchment Group, with support from Thriving Southland, the day brought together young people, local landowners, and environmental champions working towards a shared goal. Funding for the project was provided by Environment Southland and the Mataura Catchment Liaison Committee through the Mataura Catchment Group Grant.
The stream is an important home for native species, including the threatened giant kōkopu and native eels. By planting carex and flax, the group has helped improve the habitat for these taonga species, while keeping flood protection measures in place. Additional plantings, such as cabbage trees, will also help encourage birdlife back into the area over time.
Projects like this highlight what can be achieved when the community comes together. A big thank you goes to landowner Dave Diprose, Anastazia Raymond (Environment Southland Land Sustainability Officer), and Tess Miller (Thriving Southland) for their support and guidance in making the day such a success.
Posted on: Monday, 25 May 2026
