Purpose
In 2024, Fairfield Kindergarten was successful in their application to the Waikato Environmental Education Fund regarding their Ngahere Kohungahunga - Bush School for our Kindergartens, mentioning:
Our project is providing a Ngahere Kohungahunga bush school programme with nature learning experiences for children from Hillcrest, Fairfield, and Insoll Ave Kindergartens at Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve.
Overview
The bush school programme offers experiential learning opportunities that will help build both practical knowledge around nature, conservation and environmental care, as well as encourage tamariki to develop a deeper connection to nature and their local environment.
Through activities such as spotting, identifying and learning about different species, children grow their understanding of native species and their roles within ecosystems.
Through creative nature play and exploration, they can grow their confidence, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as nurture their sense of empowerment and creativity.
These activities and skills undertaken within a bush school programme build curiosity and appreciation for the natural world, and grow the foundation for values of environmental stewardship, kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga ki te whenua.
Learning Examples
In April 2025, Fairfield Kindergarten had:
- Bush Kindy at Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve (see this Facebook post)
In May 2025, Insoll Kindergarten had:
- Bush Kindy at Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve (see this Facebook post)
In June 2025, Fairfield Kindergarten had:
- Bush Kindy at Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve (see this Facebook post)
