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Student with Sea StarThe Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman region is a fantastic place to study all things marine. Probably more than any other area in New Zealand, the region runs on seawater! The education programmes offered are similar to those in Dunedin but have been adapted for the “Top of the South”.

Our programmes are hands-on and designed to immerse students in learning about their local environment. Many of these unique programmes are now available online. These programmes are supported by a Ministry of Education ELC (Enriching Local Curriculum) contract. There is a small charge to cover some of the individual programme expenses:

  • $4 per student for a single class booking
  • $3 per student for multiple bookings

The contract does not cover transport. For sessions in Marlborough or Golden Bay we charge a $200 transport levy. For Motueka, Mārahau and Cable Bay there is a $50 transport levy.

All prices are exclusive of GST

Download brief details of all our Nelson programmes (PDF)

Primary programmes

All our primary programmes are experiential. Programmes can be adapted to the needs of the class, the situation, particular interests and topic. They cover a wide variety of topics including food chains, adaptations, Māori fishing methods and technology, beach studies, fishing and sustainability. Some of the programmes are based in the classroom and students are able to see marine critters right at their desk, while other programmes provide the chance to get outside to connect with and investigate the local environment.

Secondary programmes

Secondary programmes at the senior levels link into NCEA requirements like the Biology 3.1 Small Animal Studies, which are run in conjunction with the Cawthron Institute and NMIT. Shoreline transects for level 2 and comparative dissection/anatomy sessions fit well at any level. At lower levels there are many options, from shark studies to learning about food chains.

Education resources

The NZ Marine Studies Centre has produced a wide range of free resources to assist you with your marine education programmes and help you identify creatures you find on the shore.

Check out our marine resources

Contact

For Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman region enquiries and bookings, contact:

Glenis Paul
New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, Nelson
Tel +64 21 4 62326 (+64 21 4 OCEAN)
Email glenis.paul@otago.ac.nz

Stay in touch

If you would like further information about the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre Programmes you can read previous editions and sign up to receive our newsletter:

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