The restoration of Maungatautari offers people of all ages the opportunity of a hands-on learning experience in a unique ecological environment.

The maunga provides a variety of enriched learning opportunities that support the education philosophy that the maunga is the classroom. The aim is to create positive and memorable experiences.

Learners are able to:

• Experience the rich history of the maunga and its unique and ever-changing biodiversity.
• Discover how two significant conservation technologies (pest proof fencing and pest eradication) have enabled the ecological restoration of the maunga.
• Understand the important role people have as kaitiaki or guardians of the land.

Gemma Green is the environmental education coordinator for the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust. She is the first appointment to this position and is relishing the opportunity to pass on her passion for conservation to students that visit Maungatautari.

Gemma received her education in zoology and wildlife management at the University of Otago. You can contact Gemma with any enquiries or bookings at:

Email Gemma

Intended outcomes of the education programmes for students:

• Being detectives: Exploring, questioning, investigating
• Developing essential skills like observational thinking and problem solving
• Kaitiakitanga: Māori concept of guardianship, for the sky, the sea, and the land

Programmes for Primary and Intermediate Schools will:

• Provide the opportunity for students to explore authentic contexts for learning
• Give an exploratory introduction to:
  • Biodiversity
  • Interdependence
  • Sustainability
  • Personal and social responsibility for action

Ratio requirements

We require a minimum ratio of one adult supervisor per six students (1:6). The educator is not to be included in this ratio.

Facilities

There is parking available free of charge for either cars or buses. The bus driver will be allowed free access to the southern enclosure for the duration of the visit. Toilets are only available at the entrance to the southern enclosure. The education facility, Matapihi, is located behind Pukeatua School on school grounds.

Captain Kaka’s Detective Trail - 4 hours (10.00am -2.00pm)

Students as detectives! The class will go on a detective hunt for clues as to how the forest is changing in the absence of mammalian pests. Students will be introduced to the “forest villains” (the cat, the rat, the weasel etc) and gain an understanding of how a neighbourhood watch system is working 24/7 to ensure the forest is pest-free! Along the Nikau track students will search for evidence that the removal of pests has allowed the forest to start healing.

Outline of visit: (note times are approximate)

10am: Arrive at Matapihi

10.00-10.45am: Welcome and introduction

10.45-11.15: Morning tea, transport to southern enclosure. Two toilets available.

11.15 – 1:30pm: BORDER CONTROL! Check for pests in bags and pockets before entering southern enclosure to walk the Nikau track.

1:30 – 2:00pm: Lunch

2.00pm: Return to school

Availability: This programme will only be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 

Booking information: Bookings are essential. Please email the educator, Gemma Green, at gemma@maungatrust.org for booking information

Group size maximum: 36 students

Cost: $4.00, plus GST per person with free entry for one parent per six students and up to six teachers

Requirements: The session will start on time - please be prompt. All students need to wear enclosed footwear and clothing appropriate to winter conditions. Should the weather deteriorate during your visit an alternative indoor programme will be provided.

If extreme weather conditions are forecast the programme will be cancelled and the educator will notify a designated teacher by no later than 7.30am on the day of the visit.