Faculty Program
Learn from qualified experiential educators as to how sustainable practices in education can be informed by the Māori indigenous worldview.
3 - 13 February | 15 - 15 June | 6 - 16 July
US$4,500pp
Program Description
Join us at Experiential Education New Zealand (ExpedNZ) for a transformative and inspirational, field-based program in Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui – The Top of the South Island.
Designed specifically for education professionals wanting to explore the power of place-based learning, in an experiential manner to empower action and connection to the environment through experiences informed by Te Āo Māori - the unique indigenous world-view of the Māori people.
Learning Objectives
- Cultural Understanding: Develop a deeper understanding of Māori values, tikanga (customs), and mātauranga Māori (knowledge systems), incorporating kaitiakitanga (guardianship) to promote cultural and environmental responsibility in education.
- Connection to Whenua: Build a personal and professional connection to the natural environment, emphasizing place-based education that fosters environmental awareness and resilience to climate challenges.
- Nature Connection Education: Gain knowledge and strategies for teaching that encourage, life-long connection to the environment, including sustainable practices, ecological restoration, and engaging students in real-world environmental solutions.
- Experiential Learning Skills: Learn to use outdoor experiential learning activities to engage students in teamwork and problem-solving to promote confidence and resilience.
- Collaborative Teaching Design: Co-create culturally inclusive, nature-based lesson plans that are transferable to educators’ home contexts.
Accommodation
- Mix of single, twin-share, and shared-room options
- Unique marae stay in a traditional Māori meeting house
- Shared bathroom facilities in some locations (may be in a separate building)
- Designed to foster connection and cultural immersion
Activities
Waka Ama
Experience a tradiational Māori canoe in the Abel Tasman National Park
Visits to Sites of Cultural Significance
An immersive story-telling experience in nature
Cultural Workshops
Experience a pōwhiri (traditional welcome) onto one of our active local marae (if available) and take part in tikanga (Māori protocol).
Day Hiking
Moderate day-hiking to local sights of natural beauty and informative sessions on our environment
Cost Inclusions
Full payment is required by April 31 2026. Cancellation policies will be detailed on the invoice.
What is included
All in-programme transport and accommodation including airport transfers from Nelson. The full program will provide an outline of all food provided. There will be a mix of shared food preparation and cooking expected as part of the experience with some meals at your own cost. All facilitation and necessary equipment. All Safety Management and any specialist equipment.
NB - there will be short walks/hikes involved requiring a basic level of fitness and occasionally on off-track terrain.
What is not included
Flights (ex Nelson airport) and Insurance. Most North American flights are daily and direct into Auckland from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, JFK or Vancouver. It is then a short 90-minute flight to Nelson. Some meals are not provided.
Not-for-profit
Ethical & Sustainable
