EOTC Profile: Exploring biodiversity and conservation in the classroom and on Rotoroa Island

Many thanks to the Rotoroa Island team for providing an overview of their EOTC opportunities. Rotoroa Island offers an immersive conservation learning visit focused on New Zealand’s unique native species and ecosystems. Guided experiences help students understand the importance of restoration, predator-free sanctuaries, and how water and land are connected on an island. Students explore […]

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Fascination of Plants Day | 18 May 2026

Content provided by organisers: Fascination of Plants Day is a global initiative promoted by the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO), aimed at celebrating the wonders of the plant kingdom. Occurring every second year, 2026 marks the eighth international “Fascination of Plants Day”. Officially taking place on 18th May, however any event running from March to […]

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NZASE Newsletter | 25 March 2026

Our latest NZASE newsletter brings together inspiring stories and practical ideas, from real-world science contexts like agribusiness to approaches for embedding mātauranga Māori in the classroom. It also highlights upcoming PLD, resources, and opportunities to support teachers in delivering engaging, relevant science across Aotearoa.

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A teacher’s journey supporting the normalisation of mātauranga Māori in science | Charmaine Russell

Charmaine Russell (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi) is a pūtaiao specialist based in Wainuiomata, supporting the normalisation of mātauranga Māori in science. In 2024, NZASE spoke to Charmaine while she was the first Māori female Head of Department of Science at Wainuiomata High School, and in this follow-up article, we catch up on her journey […]

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Term 1 PLD | Workshops for Science Standards | S1.1, S1.2, S1.3, and S1.4

Explore four key science standards with guidance from Linda Haycock in this practical webinar series. Covering S1.1 through to S1.4, these presentations unpack how students can engage with local issues, investigate using a range of scientific approaches, understand how science ideas develop in context, and critically evaluate science-related claims. Each resource has clear explanations, classroom-ready […]

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University of Otago | Science Academy Teacher Workshops

For teachers looking to refresh their science knowledge, gather new classroom ideas, and connect with colleagues from around the country, the University of Otago offers a four-day professional learning and development programme for secondary school teachers in Dunedin during the summer holidays. Every year, alongside its popular student programme, the Science Academy at the University […]

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NZASE Newsletter | 11 March 2026

Our latest NZASE newsletter is out now, featuring inspiring articles on agribusiness and integrating mātauranga Māori, alongside practical ideas to support engaging science teaching. It also highlights upcoming PLD, resources, and opportunities to help teachers navigate the new science standards and stay connected with the wider science education community.

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Weaving Mātauranga Māori into the classroom | Kaupapa Māori educator Koha Kahui-McConnell

At Auckland Zoo, Conservation Learning Facilitator and kaupapa Māori educator Koha Kahui-McConnell supports students to explore scientific concepts through mātauranga Māori and Science. In this profile, he shares his philosophy about helping rangatahi understand that everything has a whakapapa and protecting the natural world begins with recognising our place within it. Introduction He uri tēnei […]

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EOTC Profile: Learning Indigenous knowledge from the natural world at Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo – Te Whare Kararehe ō Tāmaki Makaurau offers an on-site conservation learning visit focused on whakapapa and how living things are classified in te ao Māori. Guided tours of native habitats help students discover the origins of incredible kararehe/animals living in Aotearoa and discover how observing te taiao/the natural world shapes indigenous knowledge, […]

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NZASE Newsletter | 25 February 2026

Our latest newsletter shares updates and resources for science teachers across Aotearoa. It features articles on the Science in a Van founders and the Schools to Skies/Seas 2026 camp, plus a calendar of important science dates, upcoming PLD and webinars, and practical classroom resources covering biology, physics, chemistry, and mātauranga Māori.

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