Identity & Heritage – Toroa at Taiaroa
From fortification to conservation, students will look at how the use of Taiaroa Head has changed over time. Its importance to Kai Tahu stems from its use as a Pa site (~300 years ago). The lighthouse and pilot station (1864) were set up to aid the ships travelling along the coast. In 1886 it was set up as a fortification site and a disappearing gun was installed. Now Taiaroa Head is home to the only mainland breeding colony for the Royal Albatross in the world (1920). The evolution of the defensive site, the fact that human modification of the environment led to the settlement of the Albatross and the cultural change to a conservation ethic is a fascinating story from the social science perspective.
Time: 2 – 2.25 hours
Age Focus: Years 4-8
Curriculum Area: Science (Level 2-4, LW – Achievement Objectives 1-4)
Cost: $4/person
| Time: | Activity: |
| Arrive, meet guide at reception – please arrive 10 minutes early | |
| 0 min | Education Room (30 min) – Albatross Life Cycle – Albatross Dress-up – Timeline Overview |
| 30 min | Observatory (30 min) – Albatross / Shag Viewing – Observatory Displays |
| 1 Hour | Fort Tour (30 min.) – Disappearing Gun – Process Drama in Fort Taiaroa |
| 1.5 Hours | Education Rm (30 min) – Maori Game, Timeline Game – Displays (15 min) – Treasure Hunt |
| 2 Hours | Education Room (15 min) – How to make an Albatross Happy – Hands-on-Head wrap-up game |
| 2.25 hrs | Depart |
