22 Jul 2016

Erupting volcanoes and shrieks of delight shattered the peace at Halswell Quarry Park this week as a group of children were treated to a hands-on lesson about the Port Hills volcanic history.

During an event organised for Kidsfest the children got to build volcanoes using volcanic material gathered from around the park and then watch as Christchurch City Council park rangers deployed a touch of wizardry to make them erupt.

“We wanted the kids to have fun but also learn a little bit about the history of the Port Hills,’’ says park ranger Robbie Hewson.

After their quick-fire lesson in volcanoes the children were taken down to Halswell Quarry Park’s conservation wetlands where they were taught how to make mokihi – the ancient reed/raupo canoes traditionally used by Maori.

The children then got to put their new-found knowledge to the test by dividing into groups to build their own mokihi.

The rangers then tested their boat-building skills by racing the mokihi through the wetlands as the youngsters bombarded them with water and flour bombs.

“We sneaked a few history lessons into the afternoon but mainly it was just crazy fun,’’ says Robbie.

Check out the video from the event.