He Tai Ora, the Living Sea Education Programs
Based in Te Tairawhiti region of Aotearoa New Zealand, Nga Mahi Te Taiao (NMTT) is an independent natural resource management and sustainable development organisation providing research, education, planning and project management services to individuals and communities, whanau, hapu and iwi, schools, industry, and local and central government.
The team from Nga Mahi Te Taiao have been involved in a range of education programs and learning experiences outside the classroom (LEOTC) since 2000. They are currently contracted to the Ministry of Education and Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust to provide such experiences based around Tairawhiti's freshwater and coastal environments.
Murray Palmer, Director of NMTT and Chairperson of The Friends of Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve Charitable Trust, explaining the outcomes of the marine education programs at Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve.
He Tai Ora, the Living Sea Program, explores the coastal environment as a key learning context, developing water skills, knowledge of marine ecology and potential impacts on this, and opportunities for improved management practices. Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve is a pristine coastal environment that NMTT utilise for delivering these marine education programs. NMTT take students, schools, whanau and all community members for a snorkel on the reef to discover the marine biodiversity and gain confidence and skills in and around the water. Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) is the national organisation that these programs fall under, therefore, a robust health and safety policy and procedures ensure the safety of every participant.
The He Tai Ora, Living Sea Education Program Consists Of:
Testimonials
“The attitudes of all the tamariki on a whole were heightened with appreciation and respect for the Marine Reserve in the water and the surrounding area" - Stand for Children
"The students new knowledge as a consequence of authentic hands on activities is priceless" - TKKM O Mangatuna School
“The skills of water safety and snorkeling were extremely valuable to learn for all ages who took part” - Whangara School
“Students displayed a positive attitude to the whole experience of snorkeling at Te Tapuwae o Rongokako. It was easy for them to form a trusting relationship with tutors and adults knowing they would be safe during the snorkeling activity. They are still buzzing about their awesome day!!!!!” - Makauri School
“A few skills that were gained included classifying, researching, cause and effect, compare and contrasting, gathering data and creating graphs from the data, communicating information, interviewing, snorkeling, observing. This program covers a lot of curriculum links we complete within the classroom and provides the outdoor hands-on activity to follow” - Wainui School
“Book in now for a marine exploration and experience Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve first hand with the guidance from regional co-ordinators, Murray Palmer, Joe Palmer and Amy-Rose Hardy"
