At Douglas Park School (DPS), a powerful inquiry into the world of mokomoko (lizards) has sparked curiosity, creativity, and a deepened sense of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) among Year 4–6 students. This Term 2 project, rooted in the school’s Enviroschools kaupapa, exemplifies how authentic, place-based learning can empower tamariki and connect them meaningfully with their local environment.
How It All Began
The inquiry was inspired when DPS hosted an Enviroschools tracking and trapping workshop where teachers met Reino, a passionate advocate for native reptiles. Already engaged in environmental education through trips to Pūkaha, Hidden Lakes, the Solway reserve, the DPS Kahikatea teaching team saw an opportunity to deepen their students’ understanding of ecosystems and endangered species.
“It was inspiring when Reino brought the mokomoko… I thought they were really cool and I want to actually take care of them.” – student
Learning Across the Curriculum
The mokomoko inquiry was a shining example of integrated learning. It aligned perfectly with DPS’s core beliefs: collaboration, creativity, learner agency, and critical thinking.
Artist Sam Ludden and mātāmua Bella creating clay mokomoko
Students explored the topic through:
– Science: Water testing in the school’s creek to understand habitat health
– Art: Creating clay mokomoko with artist Sam Ludden
– Literacy: Reading about mokomoko, writing persuasive letters to leaders like PM Christopher Luxon and Mayor Gary Caffell
– Digital Technology: Producing iMovies that showcased their learning and habitat designs to persuade others to vote for their habitat to be developed
– Social Studies: Exploring the impact of extinction and the importance of biodiversity
“We didn’t even really understand what they were at the start… but now we know a lot more and we have this big idea about them.” – student
From Inquiry to Action
The inquiry followed a rich progression:
- Local Water Testing – Understanding the importance of clean water for all life
- Clay Mokomoko Art – A tactile, creative way to connect with the species
- Field Trip to Solway Reserve – Scouting potential mokomoko habitats
- Expert Visit – Reino brought live geckos and skinks, deepening ecological understanding
- Design and Advocacy – Students created habitat plans and persuasive letters
- Digital Storytelling – iMovies combined facts, designs, and environmental messages
- Community Sharing – At a Matariki evening, students presented their work to whānau
- Next Steps – The winning habitat design will be built at Solway Reserve
“I think it was one of the best inquiries we’ve ever done because it was really fun, and I think we learned a lot of stuff from it.” – student
“A lot of people were more engaged because we got to see the thing we were trying to protect.” – student
Learning Beyond the Classroom
“Usually when we do inquiry, it’s inside the class. You never go outside… this time we went to Solway and picked a spot for our mokomoko habitat.”
“It gives you a feel of nature… instead of just staying inside on your devices, you remember that nature’s like… it’s just a beautiful thing.”
Empowered Tamariki, Lasting Impact
The inquiry left a lasting impression on students. They became more aware of the threats to mokomoko, the complexity of ecosystems, and their own power to make a difference.
“We should help protect them instead of just sitting around… we could start a thing to make more habitats for them.”
“If we don’t speak up now, future generations aren’t going to know…they’re just going to destroy.” student reflections
“I’m currently making a really good one [habitat] in my backyard. I’ve been going around and collecting stuff.” – DPS student
The Role of Enviroschools and Community Partnerships
This inquiry was made possible through strong relationships with environmental educators and community groups. Sam Ludden and Reino, both familiar faces through previous Enviroschools initiatives, responded quickly and enthusiastically. The Friends of Solway Reserve, already working with DPS on stream care and planting, provided a real-world context for action.
Support from the Board of Trustees and student-led fundraising (a bake sale!) helped cover costs, showing how shared responsibility and community support can enable rich learning experiences.
The student panel who shared their experiences of the inquiry.
Conclusion: Learning That Lives On
The mokomoko inquiry at Douglas park school is more than a long-term project – it’s a model of how schools can nurture empowered, environmentally conscious learners. Through hands-on experiences, cross-curricular integration, and strong community ties, tamariki are not just learning about the world – they’re shaping it.
As the Enviroschools facilitator Gill Stewart observed:
“Strong, ongoing relationships are key enablers. This inquiry highlights the transformative potential of schools and communities working together to foster meaningful learning, action for nature, and the cultivating of hope for a more sustainable future.”
Reino with a ngahere gecko.
Videos from DPS tamariki about Mokomoko and their designs for homes:
“I am a firm believer that you can’t expect people to care about or value something that they have never experienced in person. Sharing Mokomoko with tamariki brings these amazing reptiles to life for the kids. It makes a real and long-lasting impact. Watch out world, a bunch of energised eco activists are coming your way!!” Reino Grundling
Tamariki building their mokomoko habitat – from design to reality.
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