Map my waahi - my place, my story →

We live in Aotearoa New Zealand. As well as our national bond, we are also connected to local places like our home, our school, our workplace, our marae, and these connections contribute to our identity.

Maps have always been a means of recording information, as well as a means of expression and communication. In the 21st Century we can use layers on modern digital maps to hide and show complexity and enhance maps as places to record and communicate a wide variety of inter-connected information. On this field trip you will see first-hand how iwi from two small rural communities are using modern mapping tools to help tell their stories of connections with the natural and cultural landscape. We hope this field trip will inspire you to start your own mapping project!

Kōkako - restoring bird song to Mt Pirongia→

In the early 1900s kōkako were common in forests all over New Zealand but 90 years later, there were just 330 breeding pairs left. The haunting song of kōkako was destined to disappear. In the 1990s a public campaign had the last of the kōkako on Mt Pirongia removed so they wouldn't die out. Kōkako were seriously declining in number across the North Island as logging, land clearance, and predators all took their toll. Hard work by scientists, the Department of Conservation, iwi and community groups over the past 20 years is helping kōkako numbers recover.
This field trip celebrates 20 years of hard work to bring kōkako back to their maunga and see how you too can help restore birdsong to your local area.

Land, Sky and Space - accurate satellite positioning takes off! →

Fly in the cockpit of a regional aircraft, travel in self-driving vehicles, see how rockets get into space, and how we make rural land more productive! This field trip is supported by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).
We all rely on knowing where we are and the location of things. Location-based technology is improving all the time, it allows us to navigate safely, travel the world, and manage the environment around us.
Find out more about the growing number of jobs available in the geospatial industry and how you can utilise location-based technology in your day-to-day life.

Sustainable seas - essential for NZ`s health and wealth →

We are an island nation with very close ties to the marine environment. Our marine estate (New Zealand's exclusive economic zone or EEZ) is 20 times larger than our land mass. Seventy-five percent of us live within 10 km of the sea. We value the sea for its resources such as fisheries, tourism, oil and gas and shipping. We also value the sea for food, recreation and spiritual well-being. Māori have long standing ancestral and other connections with the sea.
There is a growing conflict between these many uses of our marine environment. How can we manage these many uses? How can we meet the needs of Māori, local communities, and industry? How do we make sure that our seas are understood, cared for, and used wisely now and in the future?

The Bittern, by Diana Noonan→

The Bittern has been adapted as a graphic text from the story of the same name in School Journal 3.1.09. Both versions tell the story of Henare Kāretu, who, in an effort to protect the habitat of the bittern, refused to drain the wetland on his farm.
(Teacher support materials only)

Talking to the River, by Clare Knighton→

“Talking to the River” tells the story of a farmer and a group of engineering and computing students from Victoria University of Wellington who collaborate to gather data about river pollution and publicise it. River pollution is a topical issue, and “Talking to the River” provides an example of people dedicated to making a difference. The article explains the impact cows can have on rivers and the importance of being able to accurately measure levels of river pollution. The university students overcome several challenges to create a prototype monitoring device that is fit for purpose. The reach of the project is extended exponentially by creating an app that tracks river improvements and allows users to upload photos to a website.

The Possum Problem, by Johanna Knox→

"Possums. You hardly ever see them, but they’re all around: in the bush, on farms, in parks. They might even be in your garden. During the day, possums stay in their dens. These are dry, hidden places where they won’t be disturbed. Possums emerge after dark, millions upon millions of them, all across New Zealand. And what do they do? They eat."

Home: Stories from New New Zealanders, by Kate Paris→

Home: stories from New New Zealanders tells the stories of four Avondale Intermediate students who moved to New Zealand from overseas. Interviewed by their teacher, Kate Paris, the students share memories of what life was like in the countries where they were born (South Africa, Sāmoa, Pakistan, and Kenya), and they discuss what it’s been like adjusting to life in New Zealand. The article explores the issues in a simple and accessible way, incorporating clear narration with students’ quotes and striking photography.

Mahinga Kai Crusaders, by Stanley Walsh→

“Mahinga Kai Crusaders” explains two very different approaches to keeping the tikanga of mahinga kai alive – one through hunting and food gathering, and the other by posting videos on a website.

Stand Up: A History of Protest in New Zealand, by Dylan Owen→

This article looks at a number of important social issues and significant events in New Zealand’s history, thematically linked around the idea of protest. The text is organised in chronological sequence from the passive resistance seen at Parihaka in 1881, through to the anti-TPPA protests in 2016.

New New Zealanders, by Adrienne Jansen→

This article introduces readers to a family who have escaped war-torn countries in the Middle East and have now embraced the freedom and safety that New Zealand offers. However, settling as refugees has its own challenges. We learn about the reasons the Kaka family had to move from Iraq to Syria, on to Lebanon, and then to New Zealand.

My Name is Rez, by Toby Morris→

Rez Gardi was born in a Kurdish refugee camp in Pakistan and came to New Zealand as a young child, with her family. This graphic text is a memoir, looking back on her life so far. She is now a successful lawyer, a worker for refugees, and was the 2017 Young New Zealander of the year.

Alvin and Me, by Chris Tse→

Themes of culture, difference, Chinese NZers, race, relationships, respect, and identity. "A week before Alvin arrived, I got summoned to the principal’s office. I was a good kid. I never got into trouble. I was sure I’d done nothing wrong. But still, I couldn’t help worrying..."

Following Gold, by Chris Tse→

A poem with themes of Chinese immigration, history, and identity.

Bok Choy, by Paul Mason→

This seemingly simple historical story carries an important message about discrimination. It is set in a goldmining town in Otago during the 1860s gold rush. Jacob’s mother is glad to buy bok choy (Chinese cabbage) from Ah Sum, but Ah Sum’s presence brings out the worst in their neighbour Mrs Bishop and her son, William. William taunts Ah Sum and leaves Jacob feeling confused about his loyalties. When Jacob slips into the river while fishing, it is Ah Sum who rescues him. The story shows how Jacob becomes aware of the realities of Ah Sum’s life. The ending is left open for readers to infer the long-term impact of Jacob’s encounter with Ah Sum.
NB: instructional series contains a text version at reading year level 6, and a comic version in the School Journal Story Library at reading year level 4.

Bright Fine Gold, by Mark Derby→

Miners from all over the world flocked to Otago in the 1860s. Themes include NZ history and immigration.

Thumbprints, by Serie Barford→

A poem containing themes of heritage, identity, immigration, NZ history, race and relationships. "Mum left Sāmoa in 1952. To‘ono drove her to the harbour in a jeep abandoned by American marines."

The Past Beneath Our Feet, by Ross Calman

This is a profile of Māori archaeologist Atholl Anderson, which looks at his work, the methods he uses, and the importance of his field. It includes text boxes and quotes that contextualise his work (for example, explaining who the first ancestors were, where they came from, and what their society was like).

Tohunga, by Potiki

This intense and dramatic “slice of life” story recounts the time when a mother had to take her sick child in secret to a tohunga. It is set after 1907, when the New Zealand government made it illegal for tohunga to practise rongoā Māori. “Tohunga” provides rich material for both Māori and non-Māori students to explore themes of cultural similarities and differences. 

Te Tiriti o Waitangi, by Ross Calman→

This straightforward article explains what the Treaty of Waitangi is, why it was needed, and what it says. Although most students will have heard of the Treaty, this may be the first time they have read about it for themselves.