Sharing Kiwi Knowledge at Te Kia Ora Marae Te Taiao School Wānanga

On a golden sunny day, our senior ecologist Virginia, CEO Ana, and Joh from our Predator Control team were privileged to join the Te Kia Ora Marae Te Taiao school wānanga — a lively, inspiring day of environmental learning alongside tamariki from seven local schools.

The day began beautifully with a pōwhiri, welcoming manuhiri into the spacious wharenui. After morning tea, the energy ramped up as around 150 students (mainly Years 5–8, with a group of Kaipara College rangatahi) split into rotating workshops exploring the wonders of Te Taiao — our natural world. Topics ranged from the ocean and freshwater systems to taonga species, native plants, and the special environment of Kaipara Moana.

The Forest Bridge Trust was proud to facilitate a session focused on kiwi, our treasured native manu. With Virginia’s expert guidance, and support from Ana and Joh, the children learned about the local history of kiwi and the serious challenges they face — including habitat loss and predation by introduced pests. To make it fun and engaging, we introduced the pest animals through interactive games, which the kids absolutely loved!

It was heartening to hear that many tamariki already knew quite a bit about kiwi and the steps needed to protect them. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were a real highlight of the day — we could feel the future of conservation sparking to life in these young minds.

This wānanga was organised by Auckland Council’s Sustainable Schools team, with funding support from the Department of Conservation through their Ngā Awa River Restoration initiative. The programme aims to connect students with their local environments, empowering them to care for and restore the health of rivers, wetlands, and catchments across Aotearoa.

A big mihi to all the attending kura:

• Helensville
• Kaukapakapa
• Waitoki
• Ahuroa
• Tapora
• Matua Ngaru
• Kaipara College

Ngā mihi nui to Te Kia Ora Marae for hosting such a meaningful day, and to the tamariki and teachers who brought their energy and openness to learn. Days like this remind us why our mahi matters — connecting people and the land, one generation at a time.