Te repo / wetlands
Our repo (wetlands) are essential ecosystems rich in fascinating plants and animals. They also have many stories to tell us.
See also the Te repo topic for additional resources. https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/topics/te-repo
And search for wetland-related resources here: https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/search?term=wetlands
In ecological terms, wetlands are ecotones – transitional habitats between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
In cultural terms, wetlands are of special significance to Māori. Our resources explore the connections between repo, plant and animal species and people with a kaupapa Māori approach.
This collection houses 3 of 25 articles in te reo Māori – a taste of what is on offer!
He kohinga rauemi pāhekoheko a Tuihonoa Te Reo o Te Repo hei āwhina i ngā kaiako ki te whakatītina i ngā ākonga kia tū hei kaitiaki mō ngā repo. E whai ana hoki kia tū tiketike mai te mātauranga Māori, mā roto i ngā mahi whakaora taiao.
Tuihonoa Te Reo o Te Repo is a collection of interactive resources to help teachers encourage students to become custodians of the wetlands. It also seeks to elevate Māori knowledge through environmental revitalization.
He kōrero hei āwhina i te kaiako
This is a mātauranga pūtaiao framework for kaiako with suggestions on how to use the repo resources.
The following are English medium resources.
Wetlands
As a society, we have gained a greater understanding of repo – their cultural values and the ecosystem services they provide. This article describes the characteristics of wetland systems.
Cultural indicators for repo
A cultural indicator is a marker or signpost for local Māori, often founded on generations of mātauranga Māori. This article explores examples of wetland plant species as environmental indicators.
Wetland restoration
Aotearoa has lost around 90% of its wetlands in the last 150 years, and those that are left need protection and restoration. This article looks at restoring both the ecology and the mauri of our valuable repo.
Wetland plants
Wetlands are special places when it comes to vegetation. Check out some special plant adaptations and the role of plants in te ao Māori.
Wetland animals
Ever wondered what lives in wetlands? This article starts at the microscopic end and works its way up to the top predators. Great food web information.
Ruru and repo restoration
Did you know ruru (morepork) whakapapa to wetlands as well as dense forests? If you are doing wetland restoration, find out how to encourage the birds back to the repo.
Monitoring kōura
Find out about an ancient technology that is now used in countries around the world to monitor kōura (freshwater crayfish). This is a great example of the knowledge that mātauranga Māori adds to pūtaiao.
The following resources provide pedagogical information and support for educators who are interested in local wetland connections and restoration.
Repo (wetlands) – a context for learning
Repo (wetlands) can form a rich real-life cross-curricular context. This article provides pedagogical information and an inquiry and action learning process interactive.
Wetlands – inquiry and action learning process
This interactive provides guidance for planning and working through an inquiry investigation. It also includes links to resources that will be beneficial in developing background knowledge.
The following activities range from hands-on to more reflective 'minds-on' considerations of repo and ecological and cultural connections.
Wetland (repo) connections – ecological and cultural perspectives
This activity uses the Ake Ake model to explore local environmental factors and cultural perspectives, using wetlands as the context.
Building a tau kōura
Whakaweku (bracken fern bundles) are easy to construct and can be used to monitor kōura, invertebrates or small fish like bullies. The activity offers a great mix of science, technology and nature of science storytelling/thinking.
Titiro – observing my environment
This activity offers observation experiences in an outdoor school setting. Use it to expand student experiences regarding observations or as a practice session before visiting a wetland, forested area or other natural habitat.