ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Forgotten Fauna heads to Taumaranui 

February saw an unforgettable day of discovery at Cherry Grove - Ngā Huinga in Taumarunui, where students, educators, and community partners gathered to celebrate our Forgotten Fauna. The event was supported by Ngāti Hāua, the Department of Conservation, MPI On-farm Support, NZ Landcare Trust, Whanganui Region Catchment Collective and Sport Whanganui.

Around 133 students from 11 schools across the district came together to explore some of Aotearoa’s lesser‑known native species, our Forgotten Fauna.

Hands‑on sessions introduced tamariki to pekapeka (bats), mokomoko (lizards), and a range of unusual invertebrates that often go unnoticed but play vital roles in our ecosystems. They also learnt about pest animals, and the impact these introduced species have on our ecosystem and native species. In the afternoon students played games facilitated by port Whanganui.

The day was filled with curiosity, and connection, to celebrate the unique wildlife that surrounds us, and the communities working hard to protect it.

ENVIROSCHOOLS

New Enviroschools and Additional Funding Available

A warm welcome to Ōwhango Primary School and to Ruahine Kelvin Grove and Ruahine Holyoake Kindergartens who have joined the Enviroschools Programme for the start of 2026 💚

Interested in the Enviroschools programme?

Two of our funding partners, Horowhenua District Council and Manawatū District Council, have funding available to bring more schools/centres into this kaupapa. If you are keen to learn more, get in touch here.

Tino pai 💚

SeaWeek Akitio 

This year we ran our first hui in Tararua at Ākitio Beach to celebrate SeaWeek 2026. This event was hosted in conjunction with Puketoi to the Pacific Catchment Collective, with students from Weber and Pongaroa schools joining us for a fun day of coastal learning.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the day was packed with discovery, hands‑on activities, and plenty fun.

Students explored marine mammals and learnt the key differences between mammals and fish. They explored the driftwood to see what creatures call this environment home. They learned how water travels from the mountains all the way to the sea and discussed how different land uses can have an impact on the water quality. Coastal bingo was a fun way for students to explore all the hidden treasures of the beach.

To finish the day, each student made a personal pledge on ways they can help protect the moana/ocean for the future. Small actions today can make a big difference for tomorrow!

Teachers connect from the Mountain to the Sea at Regional Enviroschools Hui 

Late March brought together 46 teachers from 21 schools across the region, who joined community group representatives in Horowhenua for our regional Enviroschools teacher hui. It was a day that united a passionate group of educators dedicated to deepening their environmental learning journeys.

The theme was Mountain to the Sea, where participants explored a series of local environments that showcased the region’s rich ecological diversity. The hui began on the outskirts of Levin, where teachers visited the new predator‑free site, followed by a walk through the lush Waiopehu scenic bush.

From there, the group moved towards the sea, where they were welcomed by Poroutawhao School students who led an engaging tour of their outdoor classroom. The day concluded at Waitārere Beach, where teachers immersed themselves in the coastal habitats, learning about coastal plants, seabirds and coastal webs of life.

Attendees left feeling inspired, energised, and connected, with many taking away fresh ideas, new relationships, and renewed enthusiasm to bring back to their schools. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that shared experiences in nature can have on both teaching practice and community building.

We couldn't run these days without support from others, so a huge thanks to  Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, NZTA Waka Kotahi, Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Centre, Massey University, and all our city and district councils for supporting Enviroschools and making this event happen.

IDEAS & RESOURCES

Funding Opportunities 

Horizons Regional Council has two community grants open now for applications.

Kanarau Koiora Taketake Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant - This contestable fund is open for applications for community-led projects that support communities to reconnect with and improve indigenous biodiversity and those that support the regeneration and continuation of mātauranga Māori.

Pūtea Hapori Urupare Āhuarangi Community Climate Response Fund – This contestable fund is open for climate related projects that aim to support and encourage community efforts to build resilience to the effects of climate change or support the transition to a sustainable carbon neutral regional economy by 2050.

For more information or to apply go here. If you need help with your application, please feel free to get in touch.

Education with Wildlife Foxton Trust

Empowering the next generation with environmental knowledge is crucial for building a sustainable future. Wildlife Foxton Trust uses the marine meter square survey to collect data and determine how healthy it is.

You can email them here to find out more or to book a session.

NZAEE provides some amazing resources that you can download on their website.

Head here to view the resources catalogue which includes a conservation bingo sheet for conservation week.