19th October 2006
Wetas and alpine plants win secondary schools’ conservation award
A study on wetas’ reactions to pheromones and a study of the factors that influence the survival of alpine plants were
jointly awarded this year’s Department of Conservation’s Auckland Conservator’s Award at the NIWA Auckland City Science
and Technology Fair for secondary students.
The award, given out annually to projects by secondary school students that reflect an appreciation of conservation
values, was presented during a ceremony at the Alexandra Park Function Centre in Auckland last night.
Louise Armitage, a year twelve student at Diocesan College, was successful with her project on the effect of pheromones
on wetas’ behaviour. Louise borrowed six wetas from the University of Auckland, and put them in specially built
enclosures that were monitored by a movement detector. She observed the wetas’ behaviour both before and after cleaning
out their enclosures, and found they behaved differently (they were less confident and active) once their
pheromone-containing faeces were removed.
Justine Paddison, also a year twelve student at Diocesan College, shared the award with a study on the factors that
influence the survival of alpine plants. Justine spent a weekend on Ruapehu doing field work before working up her
results.
DOC Auckland Conservator, Sean Goddard, said it was very encouraging to see the overall high standard of the projects.
“It’s great to see young people taking such a keen interest in conservation, and building up such impressive levels of
knowledge. I’m sure these students will continue to make valuable contributions to conservation.”
The winners will have an opportunity to attend the next release of kiwi chicks on Motuora Island, and will also receive
a copy of David Young’s book, ‘Our Islands, Our Selves’.
Three other entries; by Emily Webster, a year nine student from St Cuthbert’s College; Rosie Taylor, a year twelve
student from Diocesan College; and Nicholas Harker, a year nine student from Onehunga High School, were highly
commended, and will receive a copy of Janet Hunt’s book, ‘A Bird in the Hand’.
ENDS