Our whale tail project at Onehunga Kindergarten began when children brought in photos of the sculptures they had seen around the city. The whale tail sculpture trail around Tāmaki Makaurau is to highlight how we can help whales, so we’re doing that too!

We researched what whale experts have learnt and children could choose how to say what they wanted to highlight. We learnt about the importance of being careful about plastic use and picking it up, especially if we find it near the sea. We also learnt about micro plastics in the food chain. We use natural fibres even for kitchen cleaning cloths since these can enter the food chain. We learnt about the importance of marine reserves and whales being freed from fishing nets. We have an ongoing display of messages displayed. It feels like we’re living in a cosy activist headquarters.

Below are messages from the children:

“Make sure whales have food.”

“Bryde’s whales eat plankton, krill, and fish with their baleen.”

“The whales are cool –  renew energy. My dad has an electric car.”

“Stop catching whales, sign a petition.”