Tātai Aho Rau Core Education

This is the final part of the LEARNZ virtual field trip to Te Moana-a-Toitehuatahi | Bay of Plenty, one of the most geologically active areas in Aotearoa New Zealand. This region is shaped by fault lines, volcanoes, and the ever-shifting tectonic plates beneath our feet. Join experts Craig Miller from Earth Sciences NZ and Daniel Pearce from Tauranga District Council answer some very interesting questions from ākonga, including whether it was a good idea to do a back flip in an earthquake! (spoiler alert - no! you should drop, cover, hold!) Thanks to The Natural Hazards Commission – Toka Tū Ake for funding this LEARNZ virtual field trip. Visit learnz.org.nz/hazards254 for the full trip with educational materials including the field trip videos.

This is the web conference held on August 21st 2025, part of the LEARNZ online field trip. Thanks to the schools that participated. You can visit the online field trip at https://www.learnz.org.nz/Sanctuary253 Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari (SMM) is the largest predator-fenced eco-sanctuary in the world. It enables visitors to experience a predator-free environment where native fauna and flora flourishes, and provides an insight into a time long past. SMM is home to some of New Zealand's most endangered species, playing a pivotal role in their conservation. It is also home to a thriving kiwi population of about 3,000 birds and performs a major role in boosting other kiwi populations around the country. Each year Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari undertakes the country's largest kiwi translocation project in partnership with mana whenua and Save the Kiwi. Through its education programme, SMM actively engages students nationwide, offering a tangible glimpse into Aotearoa New Zealand’s past and the future vision of a predator-free environment.

On bilingual buses and trains (1) by

Keeping our places and stories alive is integral to our whakapapa and national identity. It also provides a way to understand our history, different generations and our diverse cultures, traditions, and communities. On this virtual field trip we visited Ōtūmoetai Pā, Tauranga’s historic capital. It was the most significantly populated site in the Western Bay of Plenty between 1600–1865. The Pā was considered the ‘main stronghold’ of Tauranga Māori and was never taken by enemies. As it was situated on land confiscated by the government after the New Zealand Wars of 1864, the people who lived at Ōtūmoetai Pā were forced to leave their ancestral home. In the webconference, kaiārahi Andrew is joined by Te Haana and Rachel from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga along with ākonga from Mangēre Central and Bucklands Beach Primary schools. A big mihi to you all.

The fifth He Waka Houkura mindset, being open minded, is a mindset grounded in diversity and inclusion. In this podcast, Angela Vermeulen and Tumama Tu’ulua discuss how open mindedness ultimately asks the question of “what type of business do you want to be?".

The third He Waka Houkura mindset is all about building trust. Angela Vermeulen and Tumama Tu’ulua discuss what building trust means, what it looks like, and benefits brought about by fostering a safe environment where people can speak up about inequities.

In the first instalment of the He Waka Houkura mindset podcasts, Angela Vermeulen and Tumama Tu’ulua kōrero about identifying power, privilege and bias within both workplaces and the wider world

Volcano city virtual field trip Travel to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland to discover more about the fiery past of Auckland’s Volcanic Field Ngā Tapuwae-o-Mataoho. There are over 50 volcanoes within the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF). The AVF has been active for around 200,000 years. The most recent and largest volcano is Rangitoto, created around 600 years ago from at least two eruptions. As Māori became established in Aotearoa New Zealand, the maunga were valued as natural places for pā, with their rich volcanic soils and their unique form and height for easy defence. Evidence of a hot magma source deep beneath Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland suggests there could potentially be an eruption in the future. Before a new eruption starts, scientists will be using forecasting models to try to predict when and where a new volcano will appear. Objective To find out how large parts of the city would be affected by the likely next eruption, and how to be prepared for the impacts of volcanic activity. Key learning Explore science and mātauranga behind the Auckland Volcanic Field Ngā Tapuwae-o-Mataoho. Look at evidence of past volcanic eruptions. Hear stories about volcanoes from mana whenua. Visit Rangitoto, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s youngest and largest volcano. Explore the inside of a lava cave. Investigate the impacts of a future eruption in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Meet experts in hazard preparedness and learn about how you should plan to manage the impacts of a volcanic eruption. Student-led inquiry Empower your ākonga to take charge of their learning journey. Encourage them to ask meaningful questions, explore resources, and embark on their own journey of volcanic hazard preparedness. Curriculum alignment This virtual field trip aligns with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum. It covers a range of learning areas, predominantly science and social sciences. Access guidance that supports teaching and learning to align with curriculum goals.

Join Anahera McGregor and Jamie Taylor as they kōrero about what Matariki means to them, and what their plans are to observe the holiday. Jamie and Anahera both share that this Matariki they plan to reflect on the past year, to give thanks for what they have, and look forward with hope for the new year. They also share how connecting with whānau and waking up early to watch Matariki rise are two fulfilling Matariki activities they look forward to. Anahera and Jamie also explore how Matariki also offers a unique opportunity to relax, be still, and ground yourself and heal, so that you can continue to carry out important kaupapa in the next year.

Replay the field trip web conference with Brad from Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand and Hayes from Discovery Marine Limited.

Join Fiona Summerfield and Suzi Gould as they kōrero about their journey to becoming good allies as Pākehā in Aotearoa. Fiona and Suzi share their personal experiences of recognizing their pākehā privilege in Aotearoa New Zealand. They discuss moments of realisation, such as understanding how the education system favours pākehā and learning about the discrimination present in basic activities like finding a rental property. They also explore the challenges of recognizing systemic inequities, especially for those who benefit from the system. In their discussion, Suzi and Fiona highlight the importance of actions in being an authentic ally to Māori, Pacific peoples, and other marginalised groups. They acknowledge the difficult aspects of being an ally, such as calling out racism and using one's voice in spaces where these groups are excluded.

Kia ora! Celebrate connecting with our seas (Seaweek 2024) by embarking on an immersive journey into Tamatea Dusky Sound with us. On this virtual field trip we will uncover unique ecosystems above and below the water, cultural heritage and conservation efforts. This experience provides educators and ākonga with a wealth of engaging resources, including videos, images and GIS maps to enhance your learning adventure. Objective Our goal is to inspire and educate ākonga across Aotearoa about the importance of preserving and restoring marine and land biodiversity in the unique Fiordland ecosystem. Through this virtual field trip, we aim to foster a deeper connection to te taiao, equipping ākonga to become active stewards of their local natural environment. Key learning Understand the complexity of marine and forest ecosystems and their vulnerability. Explore the interconnectedness of forest and marine ecosystems. Promote biosecurity awareness and action. Embrace the importance of kaitiakitaka o te taiao and kaitiaki – environmental guardianship and guardians. Student-led inquiry Empower your ākonga to take charge of their learning journey. Encourage them to ask meaningful questions, explore resources, and embark on their own conservation projects. Curriculum alignment This virtual field trip aligns with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum. It covers a range of learning areas, predominantly science and social sciences. Access guidance to support teaching and learning with a suggested framework, reflective questions, and activity ideas to complement the virtual field trip and align with curriculum goals.

About this trip Kia ora! Join us on an immersive journey to locations around Ōtepoti Dunedin to find out about the population recovery of pakake New Zealand sea lion. Did you know, until 1993, no pups had been born on the mainland for 150 years? Find out about "Mum", the legendary mother sea lion who travelled 600km from the Auckland Islands to found a small but growing population on the mainland. Meet iwi who have stories about pakake that go back generations. Find out how local rūnaka are rediscovering lost mātauraka and contributing to the protection of this endemic species. Meet scientists and other conservationists and find out why they are excited about the latest developments around this special mammal. This interactive field trip provides educators and ākonga with a wealth of engaging resources, including videos, images and GIS maps, to enhance your learning adventure. Objective Our goal is to inspire and educate ākonga across Aotearoa about the importance of saving our native marine species and the heritage stories that surround them. Through this virtual field trip, we aim to foster a deeper connection to te taiao, including marine environments. We hope young people will learn to value and respect our sea lions as they grow to understand their importance to the health of our oceans and to the unique culture of Aotearoa. Key learning Gain insights into mātauraka Kai Tahu, highlighting a historical connection to pakake. Understand the complexity of marine ecosystems and their vulnerability. Explore the interconnectedness of pakake New Zealand sea lions in the marine food web. Understand the different points of view people have about marine life. Foster understanding and raise awareness of our precious taoka species. Student-led inquiry Empower your ākonga to take charge of their learning journey. Encourage them to ask meaningful questions, explore resources, and embark on their own conservation projects. Curriculum alignment This virtual field trip aligns with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum. It covers a range of learning areas, predominantly social sciences and science. Access guidance to support teaching and learning with a suggested framework, reflective questions, and activity ideas to complement the virtual field trip and align with curriculum goals.