Education Programme Update

Trust Public Engagement Officer Adelma Matthews presenting to students at St Joseph’s School, Timaru (NZ). ©AHT

The Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ Education team had another productive year in 2023, touring our education programme and fully immersive virtual reality (VR) experience of Sir Edmund Hillary’s Antarctic hut.

This unique educational tool brings the story of New Zealand’s first presence in Antarctica to life in a fresh and dynamic way. The tour reached schools as far north as Waiheke Island and as far south as rural Rimu School near Invercargill.

It also visited community venues and events across New Zealand, including libraries, community trust holiday programmes, Scout groups, young writer’s programmes, professional development workshops, and respite care organisations for vulnerable young people, providing an educational and entertaining activity while making a significant impact on those who take part.

Ciaran Findlay, Discovery and Digital Coordinator for Waimakariri Libraries saw first-hand the benefits of the Trust’s education programme. “I’m blown away by what a wonderful and informative experience you have offered—it really was the highlight of our holiday period. We were surprised by the age diversity of those who were using the [VR] experience and it changed some perspectives of digital opportunities and who they are for. We loved seeing grandparents and grandchildren both participate and then discuss their thoughts afterwards. I cannot stress enough how vital a service this is, especially in a community setting. Hosting a VR event that was free, immersive, informative and wonderfully managed by the Trust is a real privilege.”

Throughout the year, the team were delighted to share the VR experience with British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Ms Iona Thomas, staff at national tour sponsor Dulux’s headquarters, Manatū Taonga Ministry of Culture and Heritage staff, and the team at Royal Society Te Apārangi, one of the Trust’s Inspiring Explorers™ programme partners.

Another highlight was engaging with hundreds of students at the Te Puke ō Taramainuku Kāhui Ako STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) festival, held in the South Auckland (NZ) community of Ōtara. Here, students had the opportunity to embark on virtual expeditions to diverse places from the rugged terrains of remote islands to the awe-inspiring vastness of polar landscapes. These interactive sessions not only educated but also inspired students to consider careers in STEAM fields, highlighting the role of technology in conservation and exploration.

The Trust’s education team travelled to Australia to take part in the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium in Sydney in September and in December, they participated in the “Antarctica Day” celebrations in the gateway city of Hobart.

Contact us at education@nzaht.org to book an in-person visit for your school or community group. Our team thoroughly enjoy getting out into the community, so if you are involved in free holiday programmes and community trust organisations in New Zealand, we would love to hear from you.