Let nature in, strengthen your wellbeing – Mā te taiao kia whakapakari tōu oranga!
This is the theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week. Research has shown that our well being is improved when we experience and get involved with nature. The Mental Health Foundation has listed Five Ways to Well Being in nature.
The library has books on display that support these five recommendations. In addition, nature has been brought inside. An experiential display of flora and a zen garden offers students the opportunity to smell herbs, feel the varied textures of pine cones, shells, bark, sand, driftwood, and conifer. At certain times of the day you can hear birdsong. Tastings of kawakawa tea have been enjoyed as well.
