Micro Investigators

As part of the Microinvestigator programme, Te Anau School children had a unique opportunity to learn about microplastics and water quality. On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, the event took place at Jericho Stream in Blackmount, Te Anau, Southland. The event was organised by tutors from the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), led by Dr. Seethal Sivarajan , assisted by SIT Environmental Management students, Muhammad Fathur Rahman and Bethany Hughes, Several key organisations, including Environment Southland and the Department of Conservation, collaborated to make this educational attempt happen. The main purpose of this event was to monitor the concentration of microplastics in Jericho Stream and to educate school children. This marked the first time Jericho Stream had been subjected to such a comprehensive monitoring effort. The day was filled with enthusiasm and fun. The participants were greeted with perfect weather, supporting an ideal backdrop for the activities. They had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in water quality testing and microplastic analysis, gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving our waterways. The Microinvestigator Programme aims to raise environmental awareness among young people and empower them to become responsible caretakers of the environment. In the spirit of education and environmental conservation, the event at Jericho Stream was a tremendous success, with everyone leaving with new knowledge and a sense of achievement.

Happy New Year! What can be better than start 2023 with great news! 🤓

*Kits help schoolkids become citizen scientists*
Dr Christine Liang and her team from the Southern Institute of Technology have begun rolling out a Microplastics Citizen Science Community Kits in Deep Cove in for the first time!!
*
Check it out 👉https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/130011246/kits-help-schoolkids-become-citizen-scientists

The Regional Hui featuring Micro-Investigators was awesome! 🥳

Many thanks to all the people & schools that joined us from 3 catchments: Mataura, Oreti, Aparima/Waiau. Students learned about their catchment, the threat of , and explored the diversity & water quality of their local stream.

Amazing seeing the community brought together to share knowledge and pledge to fight microplastic pollution!