BAY SCIENCE

Connecting Bay of Plenty Science Educators

View from Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park

Latest News

Image from Carmen Kenton's commentary on Aotearoa’s new Y9 science curriculum, reposted by Bay Science.”

Stuffing the New Y9 Science Curriculum | Carmen Kenton

Carmen Kenton takes a clear-eyed look at Aotearoa’s new Y9 science curriculum, questioning whether the volume and pace of content really reflect how rangatahi learn. We’re sharing a short excerpt to help kaiako make sense of the draft changes. Pānui atu for the full blog post and Carmen’s wider whakaaro.

BAY OF PLENTY PĀNUI

STEAM-ED has released its January 2026 Holiday Programme, packed with hands-on days for rangatahi who love robots, animation, Minecraft, creatures and creative making.

STEAM-ED January 2026 Holiday Programme

A full line-up of Summer STEM @ Tinkd holiday workshops are running for January 2026, with sessions ranging from Hour of Code, vinyl design, and laser cutting through to 3D printing, bubble wands, keyrings, and a free Pathfinder Egg Drop challenge.

Summer STEM @ Tinkd: Holiday Programmes

A scenic landscape still from Recloaking the Bay, showing Rotorua hill country, farmland, and a lake, used to promote the environmental documentary about catchment restoration.

Recloaking the Bay | Watch Online

Ripe and green tomatoes on a vine in a māra kai garden, accompanying information about the December Community Day Māra Kai.

December Community Day in the Māra Kai | Kai Rotorua Community Gathering

opurererua Valley wetland in Tauranga, showing ponds, native vegetation, and surrounding hills under a bright blue sky. Scenic view highlighting the ecological significance of the Kopurererua Valley urban wetland reserve.

Kopurererua Valley Guided Walk

“Promotional flyer for the TMBC December Online Partners Forum on the Yellow-Legged Hornet. Shows event date Wednesday 3 December, 1–2 pm, online. Includes photos of speakers Mike Inglis, Karin Kos and Arnaud Cartier, and a large image of a yellow-legged hornet.

TMBC Response to the Yellow-legged Hornet!

Kai Rotorua Food Forest Planting Day

Forest & Bird Eastern Bay of Plenty have opened applications for their Marine Studies Scholarship

Forest & Bird Eastern Bay of Plenty Marine Studies Scholarship

See All Pānui

NATIONAL PĀNUI

Stuffing the New Y9 Science Curriculum | Carmen Kenton

Earth and Space Science Educators of New Zealand (ESSENZ) have published their findings-to-date of their curriculum survey.

ESSENZ: Draft Science Curriculum Survey Results

The new science curriculum risks shrinking futures, especially for Māori and Pasifika students -- An opinion piece by Cheryl Mitchell. Teacher, EdD. Reposted with permission from Aotearoa Educator's Collective. See the original post here.

Science Curriculum, We Need to Talk

This upcoming Thriving Cities Webinar Series session explores how maramataka can guide urban restoration practices and deepen connections between people, place, and mātauranga.

Thriving Cities Webinar Series: Maramataka in Urban Restoration

AEC Substack Live: Sifting through the Draft Science Curriculum (Dec 9. 4pm)

This month's educator association updates, as well as sentiments from the wider sector.

Educator Association Updates | December 2025

A new post has appeared on Tāhurangi announcing that the Ministry is now seeking Expressions of Interest for subject advisors to design and write Phase 5 of the refreshed curriculum. This follows the September release of the draft list of senior secondary subjects.

Phase 5 Science Curriculum Development EOI (Years 11–13)

For kaiako who weren’t able to attend the Science Years 0–8 (draft content) presentation on 27 November 2025, Bay Science has taken the time to transcribe the webinar against the presentation slides.

Video & Transcript: Unpacking the Draft Science Learning Area (Year 0 - Year 8)

See All Pānui

RANGATAHI OPPORTUNITIES

KAIAKO OPPORTUNITIES

STEAM-ED January 2026 Holiday Programme

The STEAM-ED January 2026 Holiday Programme is packed with creative STEM activities for tamariki — from robotics and animation to bugs, butterflies and Minecraft. This spotlight gives a quick overview and links you straight to the full programme so you can plan ahead for the summer break.

STEAM-ED January 2026 Holiday Programme

Summer STEM @ Tinkd: Holiday Programmes

Lincoln University STAR Programme for Year 12 and 13

Forest & Bird Eastern Bay of Plenty Marine Studies Scholarship

More Rangatahi Opportunities

AEC Substack Live: Sifting through the Draft Science Curriculum (Dec 9. 4pm)

Join the Aotearoa Educator’s Collective for a Substack Live session where a panel of science educators and researchers unpack the draft science curriculum. Hear perspectives from Sara Tolbert, Madeleine Collins, Chris Eames, and MC Claire Coleman as they explore equity, curriculum design, and the future of science education in Aotearoa.

AEC Substack Live: Sifting through the Draft Science Curriculum (Dec 9. 4pm)

Expressions of Interest for Tirotiro Anō Panel – Report on the Proposal to Change the National Qualification

HATA Regional Hub 2025 — Term 4 Online Hui for Members

What Counts as Learning in the Age of AI? Webinar recording now available!

More Kaiako Opportunities

ASSOCIATION PĀNUI

ESSENZ: Draft Science Curriculum Survey Results

ESSENZ members have shared feedback on the draft science curriculum, highlighting concerns about unrealistic learning outcomes, gaps in Earth & Space Science and Nature of Science, limited mātauranga Māori, and major implementation challenges. ESSENZ has granted permission for Bay Science to repost the full summary and accompanying graphs.

ESSENZ: Draft Science Curriculum Survey Results

Educator Association Updates | December 2025

Draft Science Curriculum Survey | Early Findings

NZASE Feedback Survey: Draft Science Curriculum

More Association Updates

KAIAKO HIGHLIGHT

Kaiako Highlight: Jim Critchley

Jim Critchley is an Earth and Space Science educator who thrives on creating those chance encounters that open doors for students. Whether it’s connecting learners with industry, organising field trips that make science tangible, or guiding rangatahi to think critically in an information-rich world, Jim’s teaching is about sparking curiosity and showing how science and technology evolve together.

Kaiako Highlight: Whaea Tania Jackson

Introducing Whaea Tania Jackson, a secondary school kaiako of science and te reo Māori, and an emerging curriculum leader in kaupapa Māori. Her mahi spans both the classroom and the wider community, where she plays a pivotal role in the Tauranga Moana Māori Teachers’ Association.

Kaiako Highlight: Sky Smale

Meet Sky Smale, an educator, artist, and environmental advocate involved with the Kaharoa Kōkako Trust and Paraiti Catchment Care Group.

SCIENCE IN ACTION

Te Reo o Te Repo was created to give voice to our wetlands through the voices of our people, raising awareness of wetland values and restoration from a Te Ao Māori perspective. Tuihonoa Te Reo o Te Repo was developed in response to kaiako who wanted to support ākonga to become kaitiaki of their local repo. Yvonne with fellow co-editors, Cheri van Schravendijk-Goodman and Dr Bev Clarkson. Source: Image supplied, © Yvonne Taura

Scientist Highlight: Yvonne Taura

Freshwater ecologist Yvonne Taura (Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Uenuku, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) didn’t always see herself in science. Now her mahi is reshaping how kaiako, kairangahau, and communities think about wetlands, mātauranga Māori, and the purpose of science education in Aotearoa.

Lizzie Thompson conducting a diving survey as part of her marine science research.

Scientist Highlight: Lizzie Thompson | Marine Science

Marine scientist Lizzie Thompson is exploring how marine ecosystems recover after disruption. Find out how her work at Otāiti/Astrolabe Reef can support real-world science learning in your classroom—and what it’s really like to do fieldwork beneath the waves!

Juliet Linzmeier, a Master of Environmental Science student at Tauranga's Coastal Marine Field Station, is helping lay the groundwork for New Zealand’s emerging seaweed aquaculture industry. Our first Scientist Highlight aims to broaden the scope of curriculum and NCEA with real-world research examples, as well as capture researcher perspectives of what led them into STEM careers.

Scientist Highlight: Juliet Linzmeier | Marine Science

Juliet Linzmeier, a Master of Environmental Science student at Tauranga's Coastal Marine Field Station, is helping lay the groundwork for New Zealand’s emerging seaweed aquaculture industry. Our first Scientist Highlight aims to broaden the scope of curriculum and NCEA with real-world research examples, as well as capture researcher perspectives of what led them into STEM careers.

PIVOTAL PERSPECTIVES

Stuffing the New Y9 Science Curriculum | Carmen Kenton

Science Curriculum, We Need to Talk

PISA 2029 Climate Literacy Framework

Draft Science Curriculum under scrutiny | The Conversation

What Counts as Learning in the Age of AI? Webinar recording now available!

SCIENCE CURRICULUM REFRESH

Phase 5 Science Curriculum Development EOI (Years 11–13)

Video & Transcript: Unpacking the Draft Science Learning Area (Year 0 - Year 8)

Implementation Resources, Term 4 2025

Curriculum implementation timeline updated | Focus on Science and Pūtaiao

Webinars: Unpacking the NZC learning areas

NCEA & THE RAS

2026 Reviewed Materials, Assessment Materials, Conditions of Assessment for NCEA L1, L2 & L3 Sciences

Consultation on proposal to replace NCEA

Empower KEA PLD: Redox Chemistry

BoP Cluster #2 2025

NCEA Feedback Wanted!

More Pivotal Perspectives

More Science Curriculum Refresh

More NCEA & The RAS

EVENTS COMING UP

See All Events

MICRO UPDATES - BITS FROM BEYOND

How Tauranga is rethinking smart city tech - SunLive

Christina Cleaver honoured for conservation work (Sunlive)

Marine researchers find biggest source of microplastics in our ocean is vehicle tyres (RNZ)

Tiwaiwaka Ecological Corridors: Major research initiative sheds light on land and sea connections in Tauranga Moana

Education Policy Outlook 2025 - OECD

New NZ native wildlife poster (Predator Free NZ)

NZ’s draft science curriculum favours rote learning over critical thinking (The Conversation)

Kelly Tarlton's Final Treasure Hunt takes Best Documentary Podcast, while The Flood, Scigest and Tune Into Nature with Karthic take out Climate Awards at the 2025 NZ Podcast Awards

Research Report | England's Knowledge Rich Curriculum: Lessons for Aotearoa New Zealand (New Zealand Principal's Federation).

Farmers call for unified national pest strategy (Sunlive)

Western BoP District Libraries Summer Activities: Raumati Rauemi Te Taiao

Over 1000 schools will continue to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi...and counting (Tania Waikato)

BAY SCIENCE

View from Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park

Latest News

Stuffing the New Y9 Science Curriculum | Carmen Kenton

BAY OF PLENTY PĀNUI

STEAM-ED January 2026 Holiday Programme

Summer STEM @ Tinkd: Holiday Programmes

Recloaking the Bay | Watch Online

December Community Day in the Māra Kai | Kai Rotorua Community Gathering

Kopurererua Valley Guided Walk

TMBC Response to the Yellow-legged Hornet!

Kai Rotorua Food Forest Planting Day

Forest & Bird Eastern Bay of Plenty Marine Studies Scholarship

NATIONAL PĀNUI

Stuffing the New Y9 Science Curriculum | Carmen Kenton

ESSENZ: Draft Science Curriculum Survey Results

Science Curriculum, We Need to Talk

Thriving Cities Webinar Series: Maramataka in Urban Restoration

AEC Substack Live: Sifting through the Draft Science Curriculum (Dec 9. 4pm)

Educator Association Updates | December 2025

Phase 5 Science Curriculum Development EOI (Years 11–13)

Video & Transcript: Unpacking the Draft Science Learning Area (Year 0 - Year 8)

RANGATAHI OPPORTUNITIES

KAIAKO OPPORTUNITIES

STEAM-ED January 2026 Holiday Programme

STEAM-ED January 2026 Holiday Programme

Summer STEM @ Tinkd: Holiday Programmes

Lincoln University STAR Programme for Year 12 and 13

Forest & Bird Eastern Bay of Plenty Marine Studies Scholarship

AEC Substack Live: Sifting through the Draft Science Curriculum (Dec 9. 4pm)

AEC Substack Live: Sifting through the Draft Science Curriculum (Dec 9. 4pm)

Expressions of Interest for Tirotiro Anō Panel – Report on the Proposal to Change the National Qualification

HATA Regional Hub 2025 — Term 4 Online Hui for Members

What Counts as Learning in the Age of AI? Webinar recording now available!

ASSOCIATION PĀNUI

ESSENZ: Draft Science Curriculum Survey Results

ESSENZ: Draft Science Curriculum Survey Results

Educator Association Updates | December 2025

Draft Science Curriculum Survey | Early Findings

NZASE Feedback Survey: Draft Science Curriculum

KAIAKO HIGHLIGHT

Kaiako Highlight: Jim Critchley

Kaiako Highlight: Whaea Tania Jackson

Kaiako Highlight: Sky Smale

SCIENCE IN ACTION

Scientist Highlight: Yvonne Taura

Scientist Highlight: Lizzie Thompson | Marine Science

Scientist Highlight: Juliet Linzmeier | Marine Science

PIVOTAL PERSPECTIVES

Stuffing the New Y9 Science Curriculum | Carmen Kenton

Science Curriculum, We Need to Talk

PISA 2029 Climate Literacy Framework

Draft Science Curriculum under scrutiny | The Conversation

What Counts as Learning in the Age of AI? Webinar recording now available!

SCIENCE CURRICULUM REFRESH

Phase 5 Science Curriculum Development EOI (Years 11–13)

Video & Transcript: Unpacking the Draft Science Learning Area (Year 0 - Year 8)

Implementation Resources, Term 4 2025

Curriculum implementation timeline updated | Focus on Science and Pūtaiao

Webinars: Unpacking the NZC learning areas

NCEA & THE RAS

2026 Reviewed Materials, Assessment Materials, Conditions of Assessment for NCEA L1, L2 & L3 Sciences

Consultation on proposal to replace NCEA

Empower KEA PLD: Redox Chemistry

BoP Cluster #2 2025

NCEA Feedback Wanted!

EVENTS COMING UP

MICRO UPDATES - BITS FROM BEYOND

Join Bay Science - Stay in the Loop!