biography

Hey there! My name is Georgia Wells and I am a Design Diploma graduate! My passion and area of study is originally communications, specifically majoring in marketing and public relations. Following my Bachelor of Communications at the University of Waikato in 2020, I decided to broaden my skillset and pursue a Diploma in Design to support my theory-based marketing skills.

I have always considered myself to be a creative person. Growing up you could always find me with a colouring-in book, sketch-pad, painting, or even getting creative in the kitchen. At high school I took art as a subject all the way through year seven to thirteen. Design however, wasn’t always something I was drawn to. I perceived it to be quite limiting and not able to be integrated with traditional art mediums such as drawing/sketching and painting. But, boy was I wrong! Throughout my degree I was naturally drawn to the creative side of marketing. It only made sense for me to continue my studies and complete a Diploma in Design to compliment this love of marketing I had developed! After a year of Design, I am beyond grateful that I took the step to continue my studies for one more year. I have gained some incredible skills and learnt how to use digital systems that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to learn to use alone. I have also had the opportunity to continue my love for hand-drawn illustrations and combine them with digital design.

project description

As a whole, I believe our society has limited knowledge of the native biodiversity surrounding us. In particular the importance of wetlands and the unfortunate decline in these crucial areas. Wetlands act as carbon “sponges” and play a key role in protecting us from drastic climate change. Wetlands are known as ‘river kidneys’ and act as a cleansing tool for our fresh waterways all over Aotearoa. Since the arrival of humans to New Zealand, nearly 90% of all of our wetlands have been destroyed. Wetlands are also home to many native species, some of which are endangered because of human impact.

Currently the National Wetland Trust has a wetland centre at Lake Rotopiko in Õhaupō, Waikato. This peat lake (a type of wetland) is a wildlife sanctuary surrounded by a 1.4km predator-proof fence. Inside is a boarded walk around the lake with some educational resources and checkpoints for families to enjoy.

Through Pikopiko Packs, I have created a series of 10 mini booklets, which fold out to posters. These packs focus on Lake Rotopiko and the key species that can be found around it. These packs also act as a personal resource for children to use, specifically year seven to eight students in the Waikato region. These students can use their own Pikopiko Pack to support their journey around Lake Rotopiko, which will help educate them in an engaging and personal way. Hopefully, these packs will help to educate and encourage youth on the importance of protecting our wetlands.

Pikopiko Packs – Discovering the Wetlands