Primary School Visits

Kārearea Kaitiaki Programme

Marlborough Lines Ltd sponsors the Kārearea Kaitiaki Primary School Programme which 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 Kaitiaki program 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 3/4/5 students in Marlborough, due to the sponsorship of this programme by Marlborough Lines Ltd.

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, how they 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. We offer the chance for a class photo in front of one of the display aviaries at the conclusion of the walkthrough.

After viewing the kārearea we return to our education space ‘The Nest’ to review, have a quick quiz and answer any questions ākonga, kaiako or the accompanying adults have. Students receive a free Educational booklet at the conclusion of 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.

Bookings for 2026 will be available via a link on this page in the coming months.