CURIOUS MINDS SOUTH AUCKLAND 2024 - PROJECT #6

Kāinga Hauora - Pokepokea Ai (Healthy Home - Mould)

Te Ararata Stream Team + I AM Māngere

The Te Ararata Stream Team, supported by I AM Māngere, completed an 8-month investigation into the prevalence of mould in flood-damaged homes in Māngere and Ōtara.

Over 150 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participated in this research, collecting bedroom swab samples from homes affected by the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods. These were compared to samples from non-flooded homes to see if flood-related pathogens were more prevalent in flood-affected houses. 

Students were supported by scientists from Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research and Biodet Labs, who guided the group in creating robust experiment protocols and lab analyses.

The young people are work with experts from Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Watercare and Asthma NZ. The project has also been supported by resident support group Thrive in Māngere, Hubbards and Makaurau Marae Ihumātao.  

Participants also used hygrometers to record humidity and temperature. This exposed many students to graphs and statistics for the first time, as they were taught to analyse and draw conclusions about the factors that contribute to mould growth.

This project has been shared widely through the NIWA Science Fair competition, local schools and libraries. A key message that participants have been sharing with the community is the importance of ventilating their homes – an affordable and effective way to reduce mould growth.