Project Moturoa, a kaupapa Māori approach to conservation

With a blend of practical and theoretical skills, Project Moturoa has all five outcomes of the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao strategy embedded throughout it, guiding students onto a clear pathway to a career in conservation.

Our kaiako (tutors) have seen this year’s students' confidence flourish as they grow their knowledge, become comfortable in leadership roles and share their learnings with their fellow students. Highlights have been mahi on Rangitoto ki te tonga (D'urville Island), gaining first-hand experience with tikanga around a whale stranding and tuatara translocations.

Our current students are on a summer break and completing practical placements, then return for their final semester in February. The programme is now in its third year and feedback from industry and students is very positive.

"I think it’s really important for Māori to connect with who they are and where they came from. It made a lot of sense that I could come here and reconnect not only with where I’m from in the whenua but also my whānau.” 

No matter where you live if you have a passion for the environment and the outdoors - join us and fill your baskets of knowledge.