Maketū Wetland Society (MOWS) | Education Programme
- Lian Soh
- Dec 6, 2025
- 2 min read
The MOWS education programme, established in 2015, works with multiple local schools and is funded by WBOPDC, TECT and BayTrust.
This article provides information about a science-related experience to support school and whanau planning. You can explore more experiences across Aotearoa here. |
Programme overview
The Maketū Wetland Society (MOWS) Education Programme is a place-based environmental education programme that supports schools to connect learning with local wetland, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems. The programme encourages students to develop knowledge of local ecology while building a sense of responsibility as kaitiaki of their environment.
Learning is grounded in the Maketū area and combines classroom sessions with field experiences that contribute to real restoration and monitoring work.
Learning focus
Through the programme, students are supported to:
learn about the natural values of their local environment
understand how human actions affect ecosystems
develop a sense of belonging and responsibility within their community
apply learning through hands-on conservation activities
The programme supports science learning alongside wider curriculum competencies through inquiry-based, experiential approaches.
Programme structure
The MOWS Education Programme runs over the school year and is organised around term-based themes.
Each term typically includes:
One field trip to a local ecosystem
Two in-class sessions using hands-on teaching resources
One creative or applied follow-up task
Teaching resources are provided, and the programme can be integrated into existing school planning and, where appropriate, linked to assessment standards. Across the programme, students engage with a range of local ecosystems, including:
wetlands and freshwater systems
estuaries and marine environments
forest and dune ecosystems
native wildlife and pest management
These contexts encourage students to question land use, environmental impacts, and long-term sustainability in their local area.
Who this programme is suited for
This programme is well suited to:
primary and intermediate classes
schools seeking place-based science learning
classes interested in environmental action and restoration
schools looking to strengthen community connections through learning
Contact / Next Steps
Contact Janie Stevenson to find out more.
Gallery
Images coming soon.
The MOWS Education Programme began in 2015 at Te Kura o Maketū and has since expanded to include schools across the region, from early learning through to secondary level. The programme was recognised with the 2017 Western Bay Regional Trustpower Community Award for Education and Child Youth Development.
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