Programme Plan: 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:	2.5 hours	Age Focus:	Years 4-8
Curriculum Area:	Science (Level 2-4, LW - Achievement Objectives 1-4)
Cost:	$3/student, teachers and parents no charge