Education - Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Join our team at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a 307-hectare predator-free haven for New Zealand’s most threatened and special wildlife. We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Lead Educator to develop and deliver engaging, nature-based learning experiences for ākonga of all ages. This permanent part-time role (20 hours per week) involves creating interactive educational programmes, managing a small team, and inspiring the community to care for Te Taiao. If you have excellent communication skills, a background in conservation, and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we want to hear from you!

Our organization

Orokonui Ecosanctuary – Te Korowai o Mihiwaka is a 307-hectare fenced ecosanctuary, located 20 minutes’ drive north of Dunedin, that has provided a safe, predator free environment for some of our most threatened wildlife since 2007. This includes breeding populations of South Island Kākā, Takahē, Haast Tokoeka Kiwi, Moko Kākāriki, Tuatara, Kakaruai, Otago Skink, and Green Skink, established within the sanctuary via translocation from their original habitats. The philosophy of Orokonui is ‘wildlife on wildlife’s terms’; species within the ecosanctuary live freely, in their natural habitats, as they would in the wild.

The core objectives of the sanctuary are to restore the wildlife and ecosystems of the Orokonui Valley; to inspire the wider community and visitors to the ecosanctuary to become actively involved in conservation; and to support them to develop the skills to do so through the Orokonui volunteer, education, and visitor programmes.

The Orokonui Education Programme

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary education programme is attended by more than 5,000 ākonga annually, from early childhood, through to primary and secondary school, and tertiary level students. The programme supports the wider conservation goals of the ecosanctuary, providing engaging nature-based activities designed to inspire and empower successive generations of conservation superstars.

Responsibilities of the role

The overarching objective of this position is to grow and develop the role of Orokonui Ecosanctuary as a deliverer of high-quality, nature-based learning experiences, supporting the wider objectives of the sanctuary by inspiring and motivating ākonga to care for Te Taiao throughout their lives.

Specific tasks include:

Lead the development of interactive and engaging learning experiences for all education sectors (early childhood, primary and secondary schools, alternative education, tertiary providers).
Lead the delivery of engaging, hands-on educational experiences at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, at education settings, or other relevant nature spaces.
Work with kaiako to deliver tailored educational experiences, including managing bookings, providing pre and post visit resources, and adapting activities to meet the specific learning outcomes of each group.
Develop and deliver school holiday activities and events that support and promote the education programme throughout the wider community.
Recruit, manage and train a small team of assistant educators / sanctuary communicators, in conjunction with other members of the Communications Team.
Ensure that the kōrero shared with ākonga is protected and shared in a way that is consistent, safe, and accurate to the Orokonui Kaupapa, and uplifts Te Ao Māori and Iwi/Rūnaka/Hapū partnerships.
Ensure the continuous improvement of the education programme through the collation of kaiako and ākonga evaluations, and via post-visit reflective practice with assistant educators.
Establish and maintain strong positive working relationships with kaiako and kura; develop and implement an annual schedule of promotional activities in the education sector.
Provide a monthly written report, based on key performances indicators (ākonga numbers, continuous evaluation and improvement, promotional activities, budget); attend wider team meetings.
Ensure that health and safety procedures for education groups are followed.

Personal attributes

A passion for Te Taiao, and the unique natural history of Aotearoa.
Excellent interpersonal skills: friendly, positive, and outgoing, able to easily relate to ākonga of all ages and walks of life.
Excellent communication skills: able to confidently transfer knowledge in a way that is engaging and inspiring, across age groups from early childhood to tertiary ākonga, and to adapt experiences to meet the specific learning outcomes of each group.
Experience, or a qualification (or currently studying), in a relevant field (e.g. zoology, ecology, botany, biology, conservation).
A commitment to continually learning and building knowledge.
A practical understanding of, and commitment to, the principals of Te Tiriti o Waitangi; a respect for, and understanding of, local mana whenua history and culture.
A desire to engage with, learn, and incorporate aspects of Te Ao Māori and Te Reo into your work.
A creative thinker; able to develop new and exciting ways of sharing knowledge of Te Taiao with ākonga.
Excellent organisational and time management skills; reliable and punctual.
Ability to multi-task and remain calm and professional under pressure.
Previous experience working in the education sector, with ākonga, in science communication, or guiding, an advantage.
A positive can-do attitude; resourceful, able to think on your feet; an effective problem solver.
Hard working, with a high level of personal accountability.
Self-motivated and proactive.
Available to work on some weekends if needed.

Application process

Please submit a cover letter and CV to the General Manager at amanda@orokonui.nz.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday the 8th of September 2025.

The future looks bright for school visits to Orokonui, thanks to a group of local corporate sponsors stepping up to fund the Ecosanctuary’s beloved environmental education programme.

Port Otago, Wenita Forest Products, Pioneer Energy, and Viridian Glass have all made multi-year commitments to support the programme, which delivers enriching wildlife experiences for more than 6,000 students, from early childhood to tertiary level, each year.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary General Manager Amanda Symon says the funding means the ecosanctuary can continue providing accessible experiences to schools at a subsided rate and complements an existing sponsorship with Oceana Gold which provides free entry and transport to the ecosanctuary for 500 students each year. “We’re so pleased to have multi-year sponsorship agreements in place with these organisations. It gives the programme certainty for the future and allows us to focus on connecting young people with the environment, rather than worrying about money.”

The education programme at Orokonui Ecosanctuary was established in 2009, and more than 75,000 young people have participated in hands-on conservation experiences since then. In 2022, long-term funding for the programme from the Ministry of Education unexpectedly ceased, leaving the programme hanging in the balance. “We were really disappointed by that, particularly in the light of the biodiversity and climate crises that we’re facing. It’s more important than ever to ensure young people are connected to nature and empowered to care for the environment. They’re our next generation of conservation heroes.” Amidst the uncertainty, the team looked into alternative funding sources, including partnerships with international sponsors and corporate donors. One surprising opportunity arose during research into sustainability-focused initiatives supported by entertainment sectors in Asia, including a campaign by companies associated with the best online casinos Japan has to offer. These companies had launched environmental grants to offset their carbon footprint, and their contributions could potentially provide critical support for keeping the programme alive. This unexpected connection has brought a glimmer of hope for the sanctuary’s future.

Port Otago Chief Executive Kevin Winders says getting in behind the education programme is a good fit for the company, given its focus on supporting local community activity, particularly those involving young people, and awareness around climate change. “The education team at Orokonui do a fabulous job – and on the smell of an oily rag. Our contribution helps them get out with the students, delivering their highly valued programme to our local schools.”

For David Cormack, Wenita Forest Products Chief Executive, the new sponsorship is a great addition to the local environmental initiatives that the company already supports. “Wenita’s sponsorship of the Orokonui education programme reflects our commitment to backing local biodiversity initiatives and environmental education – it’s a natural fit.”

When the opportunity to support Orokonui arose, Pioneer Energy CEO Fraser Jonker felt that it aligned well with their vision. “Our goal is to create a better future through sustainable energy. We look to achieve this not only by developing sustainable energy assets but by feeding profits back into our communities through our owners the Central Lakes Trust. Our focus is on long term benefits, and this starts with investing in our youth and our communities.”

Viridian Glass has contributed to the wider work of the sanctuary for several years now, but GM Matt Kearsley says he is happy to focus their sponsorship on education, where the funds were currently needed most. “We are happy to be a part of such a valuable place that offers amazing learning opportunities for our tamariki and whānau. We want to see Orokonui Ecosanctuary prosper for many years to come.”

Ms Symon said that while the ecosanctuary covered a significant portion of its conservation work from visitor revenue, it was still reliant on grants, donations, and local sponsorships to fund the remainder. “As a not-for-profit organisation, we are extremely fortunate to have such strong support from our local community. They believe in what we do, and we’re humbled by their generosity, every day.”