Ecovibe – Term 4 Programme
17 Nov
3 Days in Kawatiri!
During the NCEA exam study leave our international students experience an alternative programme of activities. The first days of the programme, known as Ecovibe, are designed to give international students an immersive look at local industries, conservation practices, and the relationship between people and place.
This latest trip saw our international students travel between Greymouth and Westport, meeting community members, conservation workers, educators, and tourism operators along the way.
Seven students — Fynn Lachner, Henri Ulbricht, Jonas Pinkerneil, Paul Engel, Leevke Ahlers, Clara Kummel and Merle Weidenhaupt — took part in the experience.
The first stop was Motukiekie, where local trapper and conservation advocate Leon Dalziel introduced the group to predator control techniques used to protect native wildlife. Students learned how introduced species such as stoats and rats threaten birdlife and saw footage of great spotted kiwi captured on Dalziel’s trail cameras.
Dalziel also outlined the long-running Motukiekie Shakedown project, now covering 18,650 hectares in partnership with the Paparoa Wildlife Trust and the Rainy Creek Ecological Restoration Project.
From there, the group travelled north to Charleston, exploring the limestone landscapes of the Nile River valley and learning about the area’s 1860s gold-mining era. The day ended with a sunset visit to Constant Bay.
Day two began at the Ngāhue whare on the Kawatiri Coastal Trail, where geologist and historian Stu Henley spoke about the historic Māori settlement site dating back to around 1350 — one of the earliest known in Aotearoa. The site was a key stop on the pounamu trail for over five centuries.
Students then joined Kawatiri Coastal Trail manager Edee Richards to help release long grass around native plantings. Ms Richards explained how the trail is benefiting the Buller community and strengthening connections between locals, visitors, and the environment.
Perfect weather set the scene for an afternoon surf lesson at Tauranga Bay with Stephen Lee from Bazil’s Hostel and Surf School. After catching a few waves, the students collected mussels for dinner.
On Wednesday, the group joined the Department of Conservation’s community engagement team for a walk to the Cape Foulwind seal colony. They also learned about Buller High School’s 30-year planting partnership with DOC, and gained insights into pest control, heritage management, and the wide range of conservation work carried out across the region.
A final stop at the Truman Track offered one last dose of dramatic coastal scenery before the group returned to Hokitika.
Student Merle Weidenhaupt said the trip deepened her connection to the country.
“Every day in New Zealand still feels like a dream, even after four months. My experience here only gets better and better and that is also what I experienced over the last three days.
“This programme not only gave me and my friends the chance to try and learn new things such as surfing, going on walks and learning about New Zealand’s beautiful nature and animals. It also helped us get a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s wildlife and highlighted the importance of protecting it.”
“After this trip I feel more connected to New Zealand’s wonderful nature and people.”
Merle Weidenhaupt, international student
