School education programme.

Manukau has over 400 parks offering easy access to outdoor activities, plant and animal habitats, as well as heritage sites.

We offer a range of educational opportunities aimed at making connections between young people and their natural environment. All our programmes are free! They include:

You can download our 'Educational opportunities on offer from Manukau Parks' brochure (PDF 4.2mb).

For more information on any of these opportunities, or to make a booking, contact us.

Classroom in the parks

Educational discovery walks through a range of reserves and habitats - curriculum linked. Students will learn about the role of a park ranger, native forests, plant and animal pests, wetland and estuary habitats and our cultural heritage.

All walks are free, however schools must arrange transportation for their students.

• Years 5 to 13
• Student worksheet is provided
• Group size: between 10 and 25 students per walk
• Duration of walk: 2-3 hours

Select from:

• Tamakae Reserve (Waiuku)
  A gentle walk through a unique historical and ecologically valuable site.
• Rooseville Park (Pukekohe)
  A fascinating walk through mature forest plus environmental games for the students.
• Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve (Mangere/Airport):
  An undulating walk through a nationally significant archaeological and cultural site. Approximately 2 hours.
• Mangemangeroa Reserve (Howick):
  A picturesque undulating walk through farm, forest, wetland and mangrove habitats. Approximately 3 hours.
• Clevedon Scenic Reserve (Clevedon):
  A strenuous but spectacular walk rising 225 metres above the Wairoa river, through beautiful native forest. Approximately 3 hours.
• Totara Park (Manurewa):
  A fascinating walk through mature native forest plus environmental games for the students. Approximately 2 hours.

Introductory ranger talks

These can be organised in a park of your choice. Our ranger will answer any questions and provide information about the park you are visiting.

Involvement in tree planting days

School and community Arbor Day plantings are held between May and September.

Adopt a park

Students take a hands-on role in caring for their local reserve.

Read Elm Park School's report on their work in Elm Park (PDF 149kb).

School children's work in parks

Read about The Gardens School's report on the Kea 1 class visit to Totara Park (PDF 17kb)

School visits

Our park rangers can visit schools and talk to your students about park-related topics.

Education resources

Manukau Parks have two educational resources available free to schools and general public on request.

Resources include A3 posters on:

• Common forest birds of Manukau (PDF 250kb)
• Identify the giant trees of Manukau (PDF 416kb).

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