Sign up for the trip here – Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Kiwi Guardians – How Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is boosting kiwi recovery
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari (SMM) is the largest predator-fenced eco-sanctuary in the world. It enables visitors to experience a predator-free environment where native fauna and flora flourishes, and provides an insight into a time long past.
SMM is home to some of New Zealand's most endangered species, playing a pivotal role in their conservation. It is also home to a thriving kiwi population of about 2500 birds and performs a major role in boosting other kiwi populations around the country.
Through its education programme, SMM actively engages students nationwide, offering a tangible glimpse into Aotearoa New Zealand’s past and the future vision of a predator-free environment.
Objective
To increase awareness of the importance of taonga species and conservation in general from within the environment of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, and to experience key parts of the kiwi translocation kaupapa.
Key learning
- Visit Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and get an overview of its history and importance.
- Explore the need for kiwi translocations.
- See how trained dogs are used to locate kiwi.
- Observe a kiwi health check at the local school.
- Take part in ‘mustering’ kiwi using telemetry equipment as part of the translocation process.
- Hear from ākonga about the impact of local conservation on their lives.
- Learn about the importance of kiwi as a taonga species in relation to te ao Māori.
Student-led inquiry
Encourage ākonga to venture into their own learning, ask questions about kiwi conservation, and develop projects on the conservation and repopulation of taonga species. Explore how they can apply both scientific methods and mātauranga Māori to their inquiries.
Curriculum alignment
This virtual field trip aligns with Te Mātaiaho | New Zealand Curriculum refresh, incorporating learning areas such as science, social sciences, and sustainability. Access guidance to support the integration of mātauranga Māori and environmental education in alignment with curriculum goals.
This field trip aligns with SDG 15: Life on Land. It emphasises the significance of terrestrial biodiversity, promoting awareness of conservation efforts at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
By fostering understanding of the interconnectedness between people and the environment, it contributes to the broader global goals of preserving and protecting life on land for sustainable development.
Stay updated
Join us on this educational adventure. Stay updated on our progress, news, and events related to the virtual field trip by following us on social media and signing up for this trip.
Launch date
The official launch date for this trip is Monday, 4 August 2025.
Sign up now!
