Kids embrace water advocacy for the city

Waitakere Water Ambassadors.

Hundreds of Waitakere kids are joining a groundbreaking on-line club to spread water conservation messages to their family and friends.

Believed to be the first of its kind in NZ, the Waitakere Water Ambassadors Kids Club has blossomed to 440 members since it started back in March.

The club is aimed at environmentally-minded five to 10-year-olds interested in preserving the precious water resource many of us take for granted. It provides opportunities for the kids to learn and appreciate how our water systems work and how they connect to the environment.

The club has already held its first social get-together, where the children were able to contribute their ideas.

“After joining the kids club, I came to know the importance of saving water,” says six-year-old Avineet Narayan.

“I check for leaks from taps. I also make sure that the taps are turned off when not in use. I always use a bucket and sponge to wash the car. The water goes directly to the grass. That way our streams and beaches do not get soapy water through the storm water system.”

To become an ambassador, kids just need to regis­ter on the specially designed website: www.waterambassadors.co.nz

New members receive a welcome pack full of information, games and puzzles they need to encourage them, their family and peers to become more water-efficient.

Annalyse Lee, aged 10, is keen to pass on her new-found knowledge: “At my house I help to be water wise by having shorter showers.

“Also, we have this thing where we have asked our family members to put the plug in when shaving. As a result of this we have found that our water bill has come down.”

The site also features club up-dates on social events, information on how to use less water, activities and competitions. The Pump it! page hosts ideas, creative writing, photographs and artwork from the kids.

Planning is underway to develop a slightly different programme to enable teenagers, adults and businesses, keen to advocate for water conservation, to share their passion and successes on-line.