Bot Tots started in November last year and was a project to get more people involved with the Horticultural Society. Members are often of older age and the organisation wanted to see a broader age range getting involved with nature. Program coordinator Rachel Oliver believes the society should be "for all ages from birth to death".
Around 20 kids come to the sessions with most parents excited for something different to do on a wet day. Although nature is outside, the group is run mainly inside the kiosk bringing nature to the tots. One mother said it was another option for those rainy days instead of the museum or Tūranga.
Seas of children whenever Oliver came sparked an idea to bring those same people in through a program. She believes it’s important to educate young people on the environment around them and said without an appreciation or a sense of guardianship, the earth would not be looked after.
Parents agreed learning about the environment, and being in it, was good for their children. Parent and biologist Steve Pawson loves that the learning they do is hands-on and experiential. Oliver is convinced that kids learn behaviours from their parents, so if nature is interesting to them or if they’re always on their phone, it's likely to be the same for the child.
