Schools Programme

Click on the Event Calendar to download.

The Project runs a programme for kaiako (teachers) and tamariki (children), featuring the ecological and cultural values of Te Hoiere. These values, from freshwater health to taonga species, are explored to teach the next generation of kaitiaki about care and respect for the natural world. Check out our calendar of upcoming events to get involved, contact Education Coordinator Sarah Huntley, or check out the learning resources below.

Schools and students do not need to reside in the catchment to take part in our programme. Over 200 schoolchildren have participated, using farms, rivers, streams, and estuaries as the classroom.

Classroom learning about predator trapping, biodiversity and more

Marine Learning Day at Motuweka/Havelock Estuary

On-farm stream health and biodiversity

Te Hoiere Project Education Programme 2026

We'd love to visit your classroom or venture out to local streams and nature with you. However, we recognise that's not always possible. We've created a self-paced alternative to provide kura (schools) within Te Hoiere catchment and beyond with a barrier‑free education programme grounded in mātauranga Māori, ecological restoration, hands‑on conservation learning, and the kaupapa of Te Hoiere Project.

Kura can complete each challenge on their own time, at their own pace, with support from us and from relevant Te Hoiere Project partners. Contact Education Coordinator Sarah Huntley for support with these challenges below, or try them on your own and let us know with a few photos!

24-Hour Zero Waste Challenge

Can you go a FULL DAY without creating waste? Let’s test your sustainability game! This challenge has learning points for junior and senior learners.

Download the waste challenge here

Matua Hautere Challenge

This challenge will help you understand the origins of Ngāti Kuia, the journey of Matua Hautere, and how this pūrākau shapes our role as kaitiaki of Te Hoiere today.

Visit the Ngāti Kuia resources

Download the Matua Hautere challenge here

Seed Source and Propagate Challenge

Ngā Tai Pūrua is a Ngāti Kuia-owned Native Nursery at Titiraukawa (Pelorus Bridge). For this challenge, teams must choose a native plant species, collect seed ethically, propagate it, and nurture their seedlings.

Contact Sarah if you need help with resources for this challenge at sarah.huntley@ngatikuia.iwi.nz

Download the seed challenge here

100 Rakau: The Ruapaka and Whenua Haumako Challenge

Ruapaka and Whenua Haumako are wetlands restored by Ngāti Kuia through the Te Hoiere Project. Your challenge is to complete a Riparian or Wetland Planting Mission! Choose a site in your community or within the catchment and plant 100 native plants.

Contact Sarah at sarah.huntley@ngatikuia.iwi.nz for plants and other guidance for this challenge.

Download the planting challenge here

Set a Trapline - Predator Free Challenge

Your challenge here is a pretty obvious one whānau - install and monitor a trapline somewhere in your community.

Sarah has the traps available for you! Contact her at sarah.huntley@ngatikuia.iwi.nz

Download the trapping challenge here

Species in Focus - Endangered Taonga Study

Each rōpū chooses a taonga species from the approved list in the pdf below. Present your study on your chosen species to Sarah at sarah.huntley@ngatikuia.iwi.nz

Download the endangered species challenge here

Learning Resources

Below are a few learning resources that we have created, as well as a few valuable resources from our Project partners and other fantastic organisations.