Exploring taiao through the Enviroschools landscape survey
We had beautiful weather at Tōtara Reserve for our biannual regional Enviroschools early childhood education (ECE) teachers hui at Camp Rangi Woods in the Pohangina Valley. Over 60 ECE teachers, new entrant school teachers, facilitators and other educators joined us for a day looking at the Enviroschools resource Living Landscapes through an ECE lens.
With the native bush of Tōtara Reserve serving as the back drop to this hui, it was a perfect place to unpack how we experience and strengthen our connections to the land that nurtures us, and to all the creatures that inhabit it with us.
The recipe for all our regional hui is about being inspired, connecting with others, and perhaps learning something new.
Our day began with a mihi whakatau from the Navarone Winikerei-Watson, iwi advisor at Horizons Regional Council, who also included an entertaining ice breaker where attendees got up and played ‘Pao Pake Paki’ to get everyone grounded and ready for the day ahead. 
The hui modelled the Enviroschools Action Learning Cycle so the morning was spent Identifying the Current Situation. We were excited to welcome Katie Higgins and Roimata Mcfarlane from the national Enviroschools team to our first regional hui. Together they unpacked some of the key concepts of the Living Landscapes resource and some of the activities in the Enviroschools kit – the Landscape Survey, What If Questions, and Mapping my Centre.
“The hui was amazing. We were particularly inspired by the way it was all brought together by the Horizons team (Sarah, Rowena, Rebecca and Kristi).” – Katie Higgins, Enviroschools ECE Strategy and Partnerships Manager.
Katie and Roimata facilitate the morning session
Small group brainstorming session
The afternoon activities were focussed on Exploring Alternatives, and then Taking Action. After lunch, attendees moved through rotations exploring minibeasts, manu (birds), going on a native tree hikoi, building wētā motels, harakeke weaving, and sharing what they already do in their centre/school to support connections to nature, and the resources they use.
Building wētā motels
Harakeke weaving
Bug scavenger hunt
A large table was set up where teachers could look at examples other resources available to support learning about the Living Landscape, and teachers were encourage to bring any resources to give away at the sharing table which was filled with lots of ideas and giveaways.
Resource sharing table
Overwhelming feedback and reflections from teachers focussed on enjoying connecting with others, and of having their cup filled with activities and ideas to take back to their centres.
What did you love?
“[loved] all of it – from the start to the finish. Loved the inclusiveness of Te Ao Māori – not tokenistically but all over the day” – participant
” You absolutely nailed it! Loads of info, loads of ideas, loads of treats!” – participant
What have you been inspired to do?
- Implementing the manu game with tamariki
- Reinvigorating our vision map
- Using the Enviroschools Theme Areas!
- Revamping our connection to Enviroschools
- Learning about the female atua and creation of the Whanganui river; inspired to delve into weaving
Click here to view a wonderful summary video of the amazing day.