SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMME
The Education Programmes at the Royal Albatross Centre are designed to inspire the next generation to protect our incredible New Zealand wildlife and history.
Royal Albatross are only one of the attractions of Taiaroa Head. Breeding colonies of Shags, Royal Spoonbills, Blue Penguins and NZ Fur Seals are just some of the wildlife who call the place home. Pukekura (Taiaroa Head) is an important site to Kai Tahu whanui. Fort Taiaroa, the European Fortification, has a disappearing gun that is world renowned.
Students have the opportunity to engage with experts, interact with the local history, view unique wildlife, and understand the cultural importance of the area. Opportunities to plant for penguins and contribute to other environmental actions are available throughout the year.
SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
SEABIRD BEHAVIOUR
Investigate behaviour of shags and albatross in response to their external environment. Courtship and pair bonding care are some of the behaviours which the programme focuses on. Discussion follows on the use of behavioural studies in management.
Time: 2 hours
Age Focus: Year 13
Curriculum Area: Biology 3.3, AS 91630
Cost: $4/person
HUMAN IMPACT ON TAIAROA HEAD ECOSYSTEM
Taiaroa Head is home to a breeding colony of Royal Albatross, Spotted and Otago Shags, Fur Seals, Royal Spoonbills and Red-Billed Gulls. The impacts of human activity on the local ecosystem are both positive and negative. Students have the opportunity to view unique wildlife and investigate the impact of introduced species, changed vegetation, tourism, site development, pollution etc.
Time: 2 hours
Age Focus: Year 12
Curriculum Area: Science 1.12, AS 90951
Cost: $4/person
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OF SEABIRDS
Take part in activities which illustrate the monitoring and protection methods that the rangers use to increase the fledging rate of the Royal Albatross. Weighing birds, trapping predators and assessing hazards are just a few examples of how humans are contributing to a sustainable future.
Time: 2 hours Age Focus: Years 9-12
Curriculum Area: Science – Living World, Education for Sustainability 2.2 AS 90811
Cost: $4/person