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As Birchwood School's participant teacher in the 2026 Science Teaching Leadershop Programme, I had a dual placement with Jazz Danis, Wildlife Conservation Educator at Natureland Wildlife Trust, and Rick Field, Sanctuary Educator at The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson.

While I initially intended to focus on taonga species breed for release programmes, this placement  provided me with the opportunity to engage in a range of practical conservation work focused on habitat restoration and maintenance for taonga species, enrichment for captive species, and rebuilding populations of endangered species. 

Natureland Wildlife Trust and The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary both play critical roles in restoring Aotearoa New Zealand’s native ecosystems and conserving threatened species. Through this placement, I gained experience in both zoo-based conservation and larger-scale ecological restoration, contributing directly to programmes designed to support endangered species populations and maintain ecological health. I was also able to observe and participate in a range of educational opportunities for tauira aged 5-18 who were engaging in science by connecting with nature.

The Science Teaching Leadership Programme provides opportunities for kura and their nominated teachers to enhance the teaching of science within school communities. It's funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and administered by The Royal Society Te Apārangi with an aim to transform science education in schools by:

• Enhancing science programmes to better engage students and develop their science knowledge and skills

• Contributing to the professional learning and development of teachers

• Building links between schools and practising scientists

Although Cawthron were unable to host me for a full placement, through contacts at Birchwood School, I was lucky enough to be included in a project involving 3D printing of our native macroinvertebrate species. This connected perfectly with the freshwater monitoring at the Sanctuary.  Working alongside Cawthron scientists gave me valuable insights into how scientific research can be translated into meaningful learning experiences for students. The project also strengthened the connections between our school and practising scientists, creating opportunities to bring authentic science learning into the classroom.

During phase 1 our Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, made a visit to Birchwood School to see our Garden to Table progamme, of which she is the nationwide patron. As the former chief executive of The Royal Society Te Apārangi, Her Excellency was interested to hear about my experiences so far in the STLP and some of our plans for science teaching and learning. As a Green Gold Enviroschool, a large portion of our current science teaching for year 3 & 4 is done via cooking and gardening with our new greenhouse serving as the perfect relatable context for the tamariki. 

Natureland Wildlife Trust works with community-based conservation groups to focus on the protection and recovery of native species, including vital breed for release programmes. 

It is an accessible space where humans can connect with nature, learn about animals and see the conservation work being done here and by partner organisations nationwide. 

Interacting with tuatara, kea, kākā and geckos educates and provides advocacy opportunities for tāonga species. Natureland has a close relationship with Ngāti Koata who are kaitiaki for tuatara in Te Tau Ihu and Ngāti Apa ki te Rā To who are kaitiaki for kākā from the Nelson Lakes.

The inclusion of exotic species in Zoos like Natureland allows for interaction and assists international genetic diversity for species like Lemur who are considered one of the most endangered land mammals.

I worked alongside Jazz Danis, Zoo Educator to deliver homeschool and holiday programmes and assisted keepers to care for resident birds and domestic species.

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the South Island’s largest fully fenced eco-sanctuary—690 ha of protected native forest alive with rare and threatened species. Home to iconic species like the kiwi pukupuku, tuatara, kākāriki and kākā, the Sanctuary offers self-guided exploration across 15km of walking tracks, as well as guided day and night tours.

The Sanctuary's biosecurity plan provides for coordinated responses to incursions and fence breaches, demonstrates competence and gives a high degree of confidence to key stakeholders such as DOC. 

Community engagement is an important element of the plan. Through educational visits from schools and special interest groups the public gains understanding of the value of effective biosecurity; protecting the legacy and past investments made in the Sanctuary.

I assisted sanctuary educator Rick Feild hosting school groups who use conservation as a context for science learning. I was also able to connect with freshwater testing and some of the monitoring work being done by sanctuary rangers Henry & Chelsea who study lizards and fungi.