Taonga o te Taiao is a partnership between Western Bay Museum, Katikati Primary School, Project Parore, and the Rotary Club of Katikati. We have delivered this environmental education programme for the past seven years, working with all Year 5 and 6 students at Katikati Primary School.

Over the past two years, we have focused on Te Araawa, the native bush block on the school grounds that had fallen into disrepair. The area had become overgrown with weeds and was unsafe for children to use or explore. Our environmental educators saw this as an opportunity for hands-on learning. With full student engagement, activities have included weed identification, a bioblitz, bird surveys, rubbish removal, pest and predator control, and native planting. Together, we have transformed the space.

We are deeply committed to this area and proud of what has been achieved. The programme enables all students to engage and participate, offering opportunities for those who may not always excel in the classroom but who truly flourish in nature.

Bookings essential: manager@westernbaymuseum.nz

This programme is in-part sponsored by Western Bay of Plenty District Council – Community Match Funding.