Education Programme

This programme creates opportunities for students (Years 5-8) to connect with nature and deepen their understanding of conservation and the interconnections within the natural world. It encourages students to examine their values, thinking, and behaviour relating to nature and conservation, and determine how they can contribute both now and in the future.

Leadership Through Conservation

Students develop leadership and collaboration skills through shared conservation experiences. They learn to value teamwork, take responsibility, and understand the power of collective action in protecting Aotearoa’s natural environment.

Learning Tailored to Your School

Flexible and easy to integrate into your curriculum, our programme aligns with your school's topics and goals, supporting your community's unique vision.

We're Here to Support You

Our experienced educators and staff work closely with you to customize and deliver a programme that meets your school's goals and vision.

Thanks to the support of our sponsors

What's involved?

This three-day programme, delivered over six weeks in Terms 1 or 4, includes an unforgettable visit to Rotoroa Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

Passionate Educators

Passionate educators with in-depth knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand’s flora and fauna, especially Rotoroa Island, who bring conservation to life through engaging stories, hands-on learning, and genuine enthusiasm.
Hands-on & Fun

Active, inquiry-based learning that’s packed with discovery and fun. Helping students build real-world understanding of science and sustainability.
Real-World Environmental Action

Active support to help students take real-world environmental action in their community—this could include creating a poster, writing an article for the school newsletter, organising a beach clean-up, writing a poem, or starting a vegetable garden.
A Specialist Journal

Each student receives their own journal to record observations, citizen science data, and personal reflections throughout the programme. In the final workshop, they revisit their findings to analyse results, make connections, and plan their own conservation actions.

Programme Breakdown

School-Based Workshop (2.5 hours)

The programme begins with a hands-on, interactive workshop at school, where students explore key conservation themes.

They will learn about biosecurity and the importance of protecting island ecosystems, the unique wildlife and plants of Rotoroa Island, the role of food chains, and what conservation in action looks like.

As part of this session, each student receives a personal journal to document their learning. This journal will be used throughout the programme to record observations, track discoveries, and reflect on their experiences.

Rotoroa Island Adventure (Full-Day Trip)

The highlight of the programme is a full-day visit to Rotoroa Island, where students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world conservation setting.

They will explore a variety of habitats, including native bush, wetlands, coastal areas, and the seashore, using their journals to identify flora and fauna along the way.

As part of the island walk, students take part in hands-on wetland investigations, testing water quality and exploring what makes a healthy ecosystem. They measure turbidity, light, temperature, and pH, then discuss how these factors affect the plants and animals that live there.

Following a beachside lunch, the afternoon is spent creating, discovering, and investigating the wonders of the seashore.

Reflection & Action (1.5 hours, School-Based)

The final session back at school gives students a chance to reflect on their island experience, consolidate their learning, and share their conservation action plans. These actions, big or small, are guided by student interests and school priorities. Students also revisit their wetland data and explore the biodiversity within their own local area, connecting their island discoveries to their everyday environment.

Students may choose to write an article, design an awareness campaign, organise an environmental project, or take part in hands-on conservation efforts.

This session empowers students to see themselves as active guardians of their environment, ready to make a difference

DAY 01

DAY 02

DAY 03

FAQs

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By taking part in the Rotoroa Island Education Programme, students will:

Explore and connect with Aotearoa’s unique natural environments, gaining an understanding of what conservation means in their own lives.
Investigate and problem-solve real environmental challenges through hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Experience joy and curiosity in nature, deepening their understanding of how ecosystems function.
Take informed action by developing their own conservation projects that support local and community goals.
Engage with citizen science by exploring biodiversity and discovering how everyday observations can support conservation.

The programme runs during Term 1 and Term 4.

It is aimed at 10-14 year old students,all facilitated by at least two Rotoroa Island educators.

The cost is $40 per student. We are able to offer this significantly subsidised rate thanks to the generous support of the Jenkins Foundation, Kiowa Charitable Trust, and Simon & Angela Plowman. This Includes the cost of the ferry, however the transport to the ferry terminal is not included..