Scientific Research
Friday, 12th June 2026 at 8:00am
Motukaraka Beach (Green Bay Beach) Scientific Research Study
A group of Year 11 and 12 GBHS students eager to participate in real-life Science Research went to Motukaraka Beach (Green Bay Beach) earlier this week, to begin what is hoped to be a longitudinal study of invertebrate and shorebird biodiversity.
Incidentally, this was the first time (that we know of) that this type of research has ever been carried out there, a global first!
The students were met by Frazer Dale, Senior Sustainable Schools Advisor for Conservation Education for Auckland Council, who has been working with our students to establish possible research ideas in the local area.
Their first task was to observe shore birds. Using marine binoculars and high-powered bird spotting scopes, students observed hundreds of birds on the sand and mud flats across the harbour.
As it was low tide, the birds were all some distance away, so it was difficult to do an actual count, but it was amazing to see the variety and huge numbers of birds living in our neighbourhood. Highlights were the royal spoonbills and the oyster catchers.
After observing and gathering some initial data about invertebrates present in the lower tidal zones, students used marine meter squares, core samplers, sieves and trays to explore which invertebrates were present. Shrimps, snails, crabs, tuatua, flatworms and redworms were just a sample of the abundance of life hiding in plain sight!
The research will continue next week, with students visiting La Rosa Park, alongside Catherine Albiston, Te Whau Pathway Project Ecological Coordinator, to learn how to monitor the state of Te Waitahurangi stream, which flows through the back of our school and the park, eventually leading into the Whau River and Waitematā Harbour.
Once all the skills for monitoring the beach and stream are learned, students will devise a plan for how often to collect data and how to record it. They will also discuss any actions that need to be taken based on the data.
It is intended that this is the beginning of a multi-year research project, with all information reported back to Te Kawerau ā Maki and Auckland Council so that meaningful actions can be put in place to support local diversity.
