Our Year 7&8’s were invited to attend the Monowai Hydro Electric Power Station’s 100th Celebrations on the 1st of May, thanks to Lara from Pioneer Energy. We joined in official speeches with CEO Peter, and received a guided tour thanks to Pioneer Energy Staff Mike and Steve. This took us on a journey of discovery to Lake Monowai, where we learnt about the history of the Hydro Station.

While at Lake Monowai, we were intrigued to find a pipe that the eels go up into the Lake, such clever creatures. Our next stop was the head pond, where we noticed further water cleaning and fish redirection. The tour took us to the screen cleaner, which emptied into the pipeline. The pipeline transports the water to the power station. This pipeline is an incredible engineering achievement.

Hauroko Valley Primary School page is proudly supported by RABCO Ag Ltd

The entire system showcases innovation through canals, pipelines, penstocks, and a fish pass. The fish pass supports the local ecology. To conclude we joined in informal celebrations at Brunel Peaks, enjoying a picnic lunch.

Thank you Pioneer Energy for this amazing opportunity, what a wonderful learning experience for our tamariki. Learning about the past and present as part of Aotearoa Histories and within our local community is important for us in preserving the future of the people and places we have in Western Southland. “It was super interesting because of the history behind the power station and the dam.” “I didn't know anything about it, and I learnt heaps.”

Year 7 & 8's enjoy the guided tour of the Monowai Hydro Electric Power Station. Photo: supplied

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Camo Day is an annual highlight for our learners, as they prepare for the opening weekend of duck season. This sport is popular amongst our families, with many preparing for the opening weekend well before. Children arrived at school in camouflage, with duck callers in tow. These rang out across the playground throughout the day.

The Bennett family has established this tradition for us at HVP and continues to provide this opportunity for our students to engage in. Congratulations to our best callers - Jack, Louie, and Jonty. Thank you to Guest Judge Mr Diack, and Kaylene and Jason for organising prizes for our callers.

Camouflage Day is an annual event. Photo: supplied

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.Each year, all of our Year 8 learners attend National Young Leaders Day in Dunedin. This is a highlight as we take our students up for a day of exploration in the city before attending NYLD at Dunedin’s Town Hall. This year our students visited Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, conquered Baldwin Street, (which remains the steepest street in the world), took in some action at Moana Pool particularly on the hydroslide, and had a takeaway tea.

NYLD is dedicated to sparking the leadership potential that’s inside every young person through practical, inspirational events and leadership resources. Our learners were inspired by at least one of the speakers, keenly sharing what they heard when they returned to school Check out our leavers and their leavers hoodies. Thanks to Sally and Kaylene for supporting our Year 8’s while attending this EOTC opportunity.

Year 8 National Young Leaders Day in Dunedin. Photo: supplied

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Adventure Southland provides opportunities for our Year 7 learners to grow their leadership skills through team-building activities. There is a range of challenges, including low ropes, flying weka, rock climbing, and ultimate archery to finish.

Providing all of our Year 7s with an opportunity to build confidence, communication skills, resiliency, and teamwork through challenges really adds value to our Year 7’s learning. Thanks to parent helpers - Kate, Emma, Joe, and Alice, who supported this experience while also challenging our children in an ultimate archery showdown!

We look forward to seeing our Year 7s continue to build their leadership skills over the year.

Year 7 students enjoy the challenges that Adventure Southland provides. Photo: supplied

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Our Year 7 and 8s organised a golf fundraising tournament to raise funds for their Deep Cove Camp later on this Term. This was an Ambrose 9-hole competition with a range of options along the way to provide fun and challenge for golfers and non-golfers.

Our students organised raffles, prizes, longest drive, best trick shot, and a little bit of frisbee golf in between. There was a BBQ and baking available throughout the day, with a cheese platter to finish. This was an enjoyable day out with lots of fun for each team.

We are proud of our students for their mahi in the organisation and execution of this fundraiser. Thank you to our generous sponsors who made this possible. We can’t do what we do without you!

A huge thank you to our Gold, Silver and Bronze Sponsors!

We look forward to catching up with you all next Term. By that time, we will have another lot of adventures to share, including Cross Country, Miharo Murihiku Polyfest Performance, and Deep Cove Camp. Until then, stay warm, ma te wa, Hauroko Valley Primary School.