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Building a Nation of Curious Minds

We are excited to have the opportunity to bring science alive through place-based learning with students/ākonga from the Te Kauwhata College in the Waikato, Whakatane Intermediate and Te Kura o Te Paroa in the Easter Bay of Plenty. The project is supported by Environmental Science and Research (ESR), the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regional Councils, Ngā Muka Development Trust, Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi, and independent consultants. Excess nutrients and pathogens in our waterways change th...

Shellfish Survey Wharekawa Harbour

Members of the EcoQuest whānau whānui joined staff for several days in February, for this years' shellfish survey -  our 13th year running!  Wharekawa is one of many hot-spots where the Hauraki Gulf Forum carries out monitoring, assisted by schools and community. Longitudinal studies are ever more important, especially in the face of climate change, to direct and inform how we make changes that have positive outcomes for biodiversity. Thanks to our alumni for chipping in with our fun...

Students still 'buzzing' after Waitakaruru School Camp

Last week the Kea Class from Waitakaruru School spent a couple of days on Science Camp at EcoQuest. The energy, generosity and caring for Te Taiao and for each other that the students, teachers and parents brought were the perfect match for the wonderful high energy days of Matariki. We loved having you all here!Today EcoQuest staff got to visit the school, and join in the Hāngi feast. Awesome Kai....

Avonside School Science Camp

During the April school holidays we had the pleasure of hosting a team of year 12 & 13 students and their teachers from Avonside Girls' High School. The great energy of the group, and the ‘can-do’ attitude helped make the most of this Ecology in Action school camp. We explored the forests, streams, and the intertidal zone; we brainstormed and shared what sustainability can look like. Students went on a mission to detect long-tailed bats, collected and identified stream invertebrates, and lea...

First Science Taster Programme a winner!

EcoQuest enjoyed the last working week of 2020 hosting our field ecology program for senior high school students. Our first Experience Ecology in Action summer program brought year 12 and 13 students from three schools (Manurewa College, Hauraki Plains and St. Pauls Collegiate) to our field centre in Whakatiwai.  It was a huge success, and both students and lecturers thoroughly enjoyed the week. It was great to have our field centre filled with curious minds once again. The students lo...

Kayak Bird Survey

Just over a week ago, our Ecology team took on an exciting new endeavour in the North Island: surveying birds from tandem kayaks in the northern Tauranga harbour.  This was a great success. In just 5 days we surveyed over 30 km of coast. The perspective from the kayaks enabled some close encounters. Over 2500 birds from 46 species were recorded (we’re still entering the data!). This was an incredible activity to get to know the area.  We are hugely thankful to Dr. Pete and Project Pa...