Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Teaching Fellowship

Two of Nelson's leading institutions have come together to support education programmes at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary.

The Cawthron Institute Trust Board, which owns the Cawthron Institute and supports community-based science and education initiatives in Nelson/Marlborough, initially provided a grant of $30,000 to create a part-time position at the sanctuary. This has now been matched by the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) allowing the sanctuary to create a one-year full-time fellowship.

Sanctuary Chair Dr David Butler said providing educational opportunities was a key part of the sanctuary's vision. "The fellowship will allow us to support school visits, develop specific programmes from primary to tertiary level, and formulate a long-term strategy,' he said. "The sanctuary already provides students with a special experience close to town, but once the fence is built and rare species are returned it will become a very significant educational asset."

Dr Oliver Sutherland, Trust Board Chair described the fellowship as a great example of research and education organisations cooperating to promote environmental science education, to the benefit of the region's young people.

NMIT Deputy Chief Executive Caroline Seelig, said NMIT was proud to be a partner with Cawthron Institute and the Brook Sanctuary in this exciting opportunity to promote environmental sustainability to a wide range of students.

The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Teaching Fellowship will be advertised shortly.

ENDS