The pace of learning at Orokonui only hots up as the cooler months arrive, Madison Kelly writes. Mā te huruhuru, ka rere te manu — adorn the bird with feathers and it will soar. This whakataukī speaks to the value of supporting each individual with the knowledge that will help them thrive. At Orokonui, species big and small are constantly developing the skills necessary for succeeding far into the future. Each season’s takahē chicks honing their grass pruning techniques, the smallest neonate skinks finding the perfect basking spot over the colder months — there’s always something to be learned. As the school year progresses with speed, we’re reminded that the sanctuary is also enriching the lives of tamariki. Each year, thousands of students from Otago and beyond visit Orokonui to discover the value of our native biodiversity and the work necessary to protect it.…