outdoors Archives - Enviroschools Marlborough

June 24, 2026

Outdoor Classroom Day

Outdoor Classroom Day is celebrated internationally twice a year on the 21st May and the 5th November. It is a global movement to set aside dedicated time to get children outdoors. Below we hear from Springlands Kindergarten and Little Acorns Acamdemy about their time spent outdoors. Springlands Kindergarten We spent the morning at McKendry Park. We invited Springlands school to join us, so Cathee and Courtney brought a small group over. Tamariki could do their usual exploring, tree climbing etc, however we also took two mats to set up water paints, pens/pencils on. We used also had paper with double sided tape that they could collect things on. These were then later put all together...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

June 22, 2026

Enviroschools stories General

Connecting with Ngahere Through Matariki at Rapaura School

In the lead up to Matariki, Angela and Ramona visited each class at Rapaura School to explore their ngahere through the whetū Tupuārangi. Identifying the importance of the ngahere Tupuārangi is the star associated with trees, birds, fruits, and all that grows above ground within the domain of Tāne Mahuta. Together, they reflected on why healthy ngahere are important not only for nature, but also for people. They discovered the many benefits forests provide for our community and wildlife. A highlight of the sessions was heading into the school ngahere to get to know the trees that grow there. Tamariki interviewed a leaf, taking a close look at its shape, size, texture,...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

June 22, 2026

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Planting for Future Generations at Thomsons Ford Road

On a beautiful sunny July day, students from Wairau Valley, Springlands, and Rapaura Schools joined the team from Trees for Marlborough for a native tree planting event at Thomsons Ford Road. Organised by Junior Landcare, Wairau Nature Network, and Enviroschools to celebrate Arbor Day. The day was an opportunity for students to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Marlborough's unique environment. Trees ready for planting The planting site is more than just a restoration project. It is also a demonstration site for low-flammability green breaks. With Marlborough's hot, dry summers and strong winds increasing the risk of wildfires, projects like this help landowners and restoration groups make informed decisions...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

The final product - a finished pest tracking tunnel

June 22, 2026

Enviroschools stories General

Becoming Pest Detectives at St Mary’s School

How have New Zealand birds adapted to their environment, and how can we help protect them for the future? Taxidermy wild life kindly lent to us by Picton Dawn Chorus That was the big inquiry question Year 7 and 8 students at St Mary's School explored with Angela with a focus on native birds and introduced predators and pests. Using real-life examples, hands-on activities, and a little detective work, tamariki discovered why many of our native manu need our help. One of the highlights of the session was meeting a collection of taxidermy animals. Students had the rare opportunity to meet introduced predators including a rat, stoat, ferret, weasel, and a cat....

by Enviroschools Marlborough

April 22, 2026

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Maths in Nature

A group of Springlands School students made the most of the sunny autumn days by taking their learning to McKendry Park and using nature as their classroom for maths. They counted chestnuts, created repeating patterns, counted trees, measured the distance between them, and used tally marks and skip counting in 5s to count sticks. Learning was hands-on, meaningful, and lots of fun!

It was made even more special when some residents from the nearby rest home, out for their morning walk, stopped to join in with the learning and conversations. A wonderful example of learning, community, and connection in action.

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by Enviroschools Marlborough

March 31, 2026

Enviroschools stories General

Nature Exploration on the Taylor River

Connecting with nature helps to make us smarter, healthier and happier, this is the purpose for Blenheim’s new nature exploration space. Located on the Taylor River beneath a stand of large trees is Blenheim’s new Nature Exploration Space. The ideal spot with the surrounding environment offering an extension to the dedicated space for running, climbing and exploring. The project started last year with the Council's Environmental Education team and support from Parks and Open Spaces officer Kiri Whiteman. It began with a consultation process with young tamariki in Blenheim. They were asked what they would like to see, do, feel, hear in the new space. Tamariki were encouraged to discuss, draw and even create a...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

March 13, 2026

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Sea Week at Whatamango Bay – QCC Rangatahi in Action

A group of 20 Year 7 and 8 rangatahi led by Di Huntly from Queen Charlotte College celebrated Sea Week the best way possible by getting wet, muddy, and hands-on with tuangi/cockle monitoring at Whatamango Bay. The beautiful rimurimu meadow of Whatamango Bay The day was a special collaboration with Glenis Paul from the NZ Marine Studies Centre, Kiara Duke-Love from Te Ātiawa, and the college, bringing together science, mātauranga Māori, and local knowledge in one learning experience. The morning began with Matua Neville Tahuaroa-Watson, who opened the day with a karakia and the laying of a treasured pou. This set the intentions for the mahi ahead and asked for the protection...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

December 9, 2025

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MGC at Grovetown Lagoon

Discovering the Living Systems of Grovetown Lagoon Year 10 ākonga from the Mountains to Sea course at Marlborough Girls’ College spent the day exploring the amazing ecosystems of Grovetown Lagoon - a place they’d already been learning about in class. Split into three groups, each team started with a different adventure rotating around each activity. Group one joined local birder Phil Bradfield on a walk around the lagoon, learning to identify the many manu that make this wetland home and discovering how species like whitebait form an important part of the food chain. Group two rolled up their sleeves with Justine Johnson, helping to release young native trees from the weeds around them. Their mahi will give...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

December 9, 2025

Enviroschools stories General

Nurturing and Nature

Springlands Kindergarten have added another opportunity for their tamariki to spend time in nature. The opportunity shows the Enviroschools Guiding Principle of Empowered Learners. L for Lela Teachers take the same group of six to eight students each week for a term to the same local park they can walk to - McKendry Park. Their route each week is chosen by the children, sometimes through the school next door to clamber over small mounds and wave to older brothers and sisters. Sometimes along the footpath where they can chat with locals walking by. Looking for tuna (eels) This opportunity is for nurturing both the children and the environment....

by Enviroschools Marlborough

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