Explore Te Wao Nui a Tāne 

Aotearoa has some unique and special wildlife that is only found here.

In this session, students will explore Te Wao Nui a Tāne (the Great Forest of Tāne) at Auckland Zoo, taking a closer look at some of the forest’s special manu (birds) and their important role in the ecosystem. 

Students will learn aboutthe concept of kaitiakitanga and the importance of endemic NZ birds as an integral part of Aotearoa’s terrestrial ecosystems. 

In this online session we will learn about some feathered friends we find at the Zoo, exploring the ways in which parts of their bodies help them move, find food, and stay safe in their habitats.

Younger students will be encouraged to observe and discuss how animals’ bodies are different and suited to the place where they live.

Older students will investigate the ways in which animals protect themselves from the weather and from predators, find or catch their food and attract a mate.

We will also discuss how changes in habitats due to human activities may drastically affect the survival of wildlife. Examples of conservation projects may be used to illustrate how the Zoo is helping to protect animals in their wild habitats.

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Learning outcomes:

Understand the concept of kaitiakitanga and the importance of endemic NZ birds as an integral part of Aotearoa’s terrestrial ecosystems. 


Success Criteria: 

Students will:

  1. Be able to name and identify some NZ birds
  2. Understand that our endemic birds are taonga and what makes them special
  3. Understand the importance of our endemic birds through a Te Ao Māori lens
  4. Be able to give an example of a conservation action or sustainable behaviour

Key Competencies

  1. Thinking
  2. Relating to others
  3. Participating and contributing

Science - Living World:

  1. Ecology L1-2: Recognise that living things are suited to their particular habitat.
  2. Ecology L3-4: Explain how living things are suited to their particular habitat and how they respond to environmental changes, both natural and human-induced.
  3. Ecology L5: Investigate the interdependence of living things (including humans) in an ecosystem.
  4. Life Processes L3: Recognise that all living things have certain requirements so they can stay alive.

Nature of Science:

  1. Understanding about Science, Investigating in Science, Communicating in Science, Participating and Contributing.

Education for Sustainability

  1. Responsibility for Action, Sustainability, Biodiversity, Interdependence.

Email: discoveryandlearning@aucklandzoo.co.nz
(09) 360 3817
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