Students at Mauke School rolled up their sleeves to learn about plastic pollution, biodiversity, and caring for their island environment during a week of hands-on activities led by the National Environment Service (NES) under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP).
Held from 25–29 May, the Mauke visit formed part of activities under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), with the NES team undertaking school visits, community engagement and site visits across the island.
At Mauke School, students learned about plastic pollution and the everyday actions that can help reduce waste. Junior students explored different waste types through rubbish sorting activities, while senior students carried out a simple waste assessment using rubbish collected from a turtle nesting beach. Students counted and weighed waste, identified brands and markings, and discussed where rubbish may have come from, helping them better understand how waste moves through the environment.
Students then put their learning into action through clean-up activities. Senior students carried out beach clean-ups at Ana Takapua and Anaraura, while junior students collected rubbish around the school and harbour area. Together, students collected more than 180 kilograms of waste and sorted over 2,300 pieces of rubbish.
The clean-up also sparked discussions about marine litter, with students identifying items displaying Tahitian labels and Asian characters, prompting conversations about how rubbish can travel across oceans before reaching Cook Islands shores.
Alongside waste awareness activities, students also took part in biodiversity learning sessions focused on Te Ao Ora Natura (biodiversity), local ecosystems, and the importance of protecting living things. Discussions explored the role of trees and plants in providing clean air, and threats to biodiversity including invasive species, pollution, and human impacts. Students also learned about the extinction of the Mauke Starling (Kikoi), believed to have disappeared from Mauke in the 1930s.
NES acknowledged the ongoing support of Mauke Environment Officer, Raita Moetaua, who works closely with Mauke School through the island’s Life Skills Programme to strengthen environmental learning among students.
In addition to school activities, the NES team met with community stakeholders regarding upcoming Small Grants Initiative activities under POLP, called “Te Ara o te Onu e te Tavake: Mauke Coastal and Plastics Guardians Initiative Project” with NGO, Te Onu Akauroa Akatokamanava Association (TOAAA).
