Marlborough Lines Ltd sponsors the Kārearea Falcons Marlborough Primary Schools programme. This programme introduces Marlborough ākonga/students to conservation and preservation of our native and endemic species.

Having lost at least 56 species of birds since humans came to New Zealand, this is a very important boost to stop the degradation of species in New Zealand. Species extinction is permanent, and biodiversity is recognised by the United Nations as critical. The Kārearea Falcons in Marlborough Schools programme is an iconic example of focusing on a single species for the benefit of the planet.

The education and advocacy programme aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the kārearea, while realising the importance of protecting all our native and endemic species.

We offer a free visit to our centre in Fairhall for Year 3 and Year 4 students in Wairau, Marlborough, due to the sponsorship of this program by Marlborough Lines.

Our interactive lesson includes a digital presentation about kārearea and what we do here at the Kārearea Falcon Trust. It also includes information about their importance within Māori culture, as well as how we became an ‘at risk’ species and our only endemic bird of prey remaining in New Zealand.

This session is followed by a walkthrough of our aviary to meet our resident kārearea up close in their special own whare. This is a special time as ākonga make connections with what they’ve just learnt about in the interactive lesson

After viewing the kārearea we return to our education space to have a quick quiz and answer any questions ākonga, kaiako or the accompanying adults have.

We offer the chance for a class photo in front of one of the display aviaries before their departure.

Ākonga receive an Educational booklet following their visit.

Contact us for more information or to discuss options for your school.

Kaiako are provided with a teachers resource which includes information, pre-visit and post-visit activities.