Kōkako were once a common sight along the fence line at Ōropi School – now students are planting native trees to help protect the endangered species.

As part of the school’s 125-year anniversary celebrations, eight Year 7-8 Ōropi School student leaders plus 20 Enviro Club members this month added 125 saplings to a piece of farmland at Mangatoi Rd.

“It’s an opportunity for Ōropi School to be involved in the regeneration of the Kōkako Corridor project,” says principal Andrew King.

“It involves planting trees to re-establish the link for the birds between Ōtanewainuku and Kaharoa forests.”

Kōkako is a large songbird with a grey body and blue wattles under the throat.

The South Island Kōkako is believed to be extinct – and, according to the Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust, by the early-2000s, there were none of the North Island species left in the Bay of Plenty.

Ōropi School Year 7-8 student leaders and Enviro Club members this month added 125 saplings to a piece of farmland at Mangatoi Rd. Photo: John Borren.

Today the bird species is thriving in the Ōtanewainuku Forest’s Conservation Area, with the trust’s recent survey of kōkako finding 113 birds.

“A kōkako is on the logo of our school, hence the significance,” says Andrew. “Back in the 1950s, there were so many of them that they would run along the school fence. But now, we hardly see kōkako – so, as part of our 125th celebrations, we want to be part of bringing the species back to life.”

Andrew says kids at Ōropi School understand the importance of the trees they’re planting and that they’re contributing to the conservation effort for the kōkako. Andrew’s intention is to take other students to the site in coming years to care for the trees and watch them grow.

“The kids are very aware of the significance of Ōtanewainuku in the Bay of Plenty and our link to the legend to Mauao and the Waimapu River that flows down to Tauranga Moana. The forest is an important landmark and is a stunning area with views all the way to Mount Edgecumbe.”

The school’s official 125th Anniversary Celebration is on October 18 to coincide with Calf Club Day, which will include activities and a display of historic photos.