Toitu te Ngahere: Art in schools for forest health

This exhibition features work created by years 5 and 6 students from Konini Primary School in Glen Eden, and Kauri Park School in Beachhaven, as part of a collaborative research project with researchers from the University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau. These students are examining the implications for their communities and local environments of two plant pathogens: kauri dieback caused by Phytopthora agathidicida, and the fungal disease myrtle rust, Austropucinia psidii.Combining science, mātauranga Māori and the arts, the students explore ways to contribute to ngahere ora as kaitiaki, finding ways to generate positive social and ecological action in their schools and communities, sharing messages of concern, hope and connection with ngahere ora.Toitū te Ngahere: Art in schools for forest health is part of the research theme Mobilising for Action, funded by the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge programme Ngā Rākau Taketake.With great thanks to the teachers and students of:Konini Primary School, rooms 14, 15 and 20Kauri Park School, rooms 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5Image: Towering Leaves, Savana, Room 14, Konini Primary School, digital photograph, 2022