Heritage as an Educational Resource

Our heritage environment provides everyone in New Zealand with a fantastic educational resource and wonderful opportunity to learn about the origins, achievements and aspirations of our distinct society and culture.

New Zealand's heritage places enable us to make connections with our own lives, and to better understand the lives of peope who have gone before us. Our growing appreciation of such places helps ensure their survival as markers of our identity to future generations.

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust looks after many of our nation's heritage places and encourages people to visit them to develop a greater understanding of our history and identity. Topics which can be studied at Trust properties include architecture, domestic life, historic gardens, and farming as well as the roles of men, women and children.

An educational resource for schools

A wide range of educational programmes are offered at various Trust properties and provide interactive, enriching learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. These programmes include guided tours, on-site activities, house hunts, activity sheets, special events and hands-on sessions. For further details about the programmes available in your area, please contact the nearest Trust office or heritage property.

Teachers wanting to prepare lessons and plan school visits should take a look at the helpful information provided under the Teacher Resources section of this website. These resources give a background to the work of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, and to heritage conservation in New Zealand generally.