Wānanga & Workshops
Sharing knowledge, stories and experience
Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust runs wānanga and workshops that connect communities with nature through hands-on learning, combining mātauranga Māori and science to help participants explore local ecosystems and build skills in monitoring and restoration.
Upcoming wānanga
Our 2026 Kaipara Wānanga
Te Kia Ora Marae, Kaipara, Tāmaki Makaurau | April 8th - 11th 2026 | ‘Connection’
The 2026 theme—"Connection"—reflectsthe core mahi of Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust and our many collaborators. It aligns with our national Tātai ki te Wai – Wai Connection project, co-funded by the Ministry for the Environment’s Essential Freshwater Fund (EFF), which aims to empower and connect communities within catchment areas through meaningful collaboration.
Wānanga fees are $475 to $650 and include catering, marae accommodation, a social evening, and field trips. Some sponsored spaces are available.
For the latest version of the programme please check out the flyer below
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Wānanga Proceedings
We've been busy documenting and reporting about our wānanga since 2008 to make sure that the knowledge given at these occasions continues to be shared.
Workshops
Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust delivers engaging, hands-on workshops that connect people with their local freshwater and marine environments. These workshops are designed for schools, community groups, and environmental practitioners, offering practical skills in conservation, monitoring, and restoration.
Workshops include:
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Whitebait Connection: Learn about native freshwater fish and how to restore their habitats through stream studies, riparian planting, and monitoring techniques.
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Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR): Explore marine ecosystems through snorkel experiences and learn about marine biodiversity, threats, and marine protection.
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Kaitiaki workshops: Co-designed with mana whenua, these workshops blend mātauranga Māori and science, supporting communities to build strong foundations for local kaitiakitanga. Check out our Catchment Group page for more information.
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Community Action Projects: Tailored support for local groups or schools to design and lead their own conservation initiatives, from dune restoration to estuary clean-ups. Get in touch if you have a great idea. If water is your focus, we have the expertise and (being a charity) the right price!
Workshops are interactive, place-based, and can be adapted to meet the needs of each community and locality.
