A 10-day learning and practical experience programme
Designed for ecology and environmental science students

Day 1 - Kaipupu Point, a community biodiversity project

Guided tour followed by presentations from Jenny Keene or Alan Izard (managing a community environmental project) and Andrew John (school-based environmental education).

Day 2 - Marlborough District Council

Lecture by environmental scientist Nicky Eade, on the topic of protection programme Marlborough's Significant Natural Areas.
Lecture by environmental scientist Peter Hamill, on the topic coastal and freshwater ecology.

PowerPoint presentation by research scientist Ralph Powlesland with focus on re-introduction programmes for threatened bird species.

Day 3 - Ngati Kuia Marae

Rongoa / Maori traditional medicine
Kaitiakitanga /Guardianship
Korero /Stories and cultural experiences

Day 4 - Group 1: visit Maud Island / Group 2: visit wetland

Wetland initiative by ornithologist Rob Schuckard with lecture on the protection of wetlands now and in the future. Includes integrated management and a personal perspective of how to improve biodiversity.

Scientific Reserve Maud Island - DOC ranger Chris Birmingham explains recovery programmes for species like Kakapo, Takahe, Hamilton Frog, etc and the importance of our offshore Islands like Maud in protecting our biodiversity.

Day 5 - Group 2: visit Maud Island / Group 1: visit wetland

Day 6 - Tui Nature Reserve

Guided tour at Tui Nature Reserve biodiversity project followed by discussions about the different strategies involved in the restoration of the native forest and wildlife.
Discussions on how to be involved in, work together and improve conservation efforts in New Zealand.

Day 7 - “Working with Nature”

Discussion and experiences led by John Broomfield (author of Other Ways of Knowing).

Day 8 - Predator monitoring Dog team demonstration

By a Conservation New Zealand Dog team, part of DOC’s Research and Development Group, followed by an explanation on how this programme is beneficial for threatened species in New Zealand and overseas.

In Havelock, an introduction by Tom Stein, representative of Queen Elizabeth II National Trust on protecting private land.

Day 9 - Final day

Feedback and comments by Trust members and participants.

Day 10 - Departure

Click here to download the University Student Programme PDF file