Unloved Native Bush Finally Gets Some Love

At the far corner of Panama Road School, hidden behind a new bike track, lay a forgotten patch of native bush. Overgrown with weeds and unused for years, it was anything but inviting. But for the students it held potential. 

They dreamed of an outdoor classroom—a space where they could learn surrounded by nature. With the help of Sustainable Schools Senior Conservation Advisor Frazer Dale, they set out to bring this vision to life. 

A Plan Takes Shape
Before the space could be used, it needed serious care. Students identified the first challenge: removing pest plants that had taken over the forest floor. Fortunately, they were no strangers to the task. Thanks to their involvement in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board schools programme, they already knew how to identify invasive species like moth plant, tradescantia, and bindweed—many of which were creeping in from the neighbouring fences. 

Armed with gloves, weedbags, and rubbish bags provided by Auckland Council, the students got to work. For several days, they cleared every weed below head height, revealing the native trees—tōtara and pūriri—that had been hidden beneath. 

Weeding quickly became a friendly competition, with students racing to see who could fill their weedbag the fastest. By the end, they had collected five full weedbags, all of which will break down and return as compost to the same bush they had just cleared.   

Bringing the Vision to Life
With the area cleared, it was time to design the space. Using large fallen branches, students marked out winding pathways, defining the layout of their future outdoor classroom. Then came the planting—117 native seedlings were placed in the newly prepared space, helping to restore the undergrowth and encourage biodiversity. These plants were funded through the Natural Environment Targeted Rate which also provided the gloves and spades from the Sustainable Schools tools library. 

A Long-Term Project with Big Dreams
This is just the beginning. Each year, more of the bush will be cleared and replanted, ensuring the space continues to thrive. What was once an unloved, overgrown corner of the school is now a place of learning, connection, and environmental stewardship. And for the students of Panama Road School, it’s proof that a big vision, a little teamwork, and a lot of determination can bring nature back to life.