The New Zealand Garden Bird Survey (NZGBS) is an annual citizen science project that helps our scientists understand how birds are coping with environmental changes.
The Science Learning Hub in collaboration with Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research and the NZGBS have developed a suite of bilingual resources to prepare your students to participate in the NZGBS these school holidays between Saturday 28 June – Sunday 6 July 2025.
To find all the teaching and learning resources go to the Science Learning Hub’s NZ Garden Bird Survey – a context for learning page.
Best suited for years 0-8
The association of manu (birds) as the children of Tāne Mahuta (God of the forest) reflects their importance in Māori cosmology and their integral role in the natural world. They are considered guardians of the forests and play a significant role in the ecosystem.
From magnetoreception to celestial navigation, manu use weather patterns and geographical cues to aid their journeys. It’s no wonder that manu have fascinated observers throughout the centuries and continue to do so for modern-day scientists!
Our explorer Te Ariki encourages students to find out more about birds in their garden.
Activity/lesson:
Engage and activate prior knowledge (15mins)
- Show pictures of common NZ garden birds (e.g., tūī, pīwakawaka, sparrow, blackbird).
- Ask students:
- What species of birds do you see in your backyard or school?
- Do you think birds are important? Why?
- How could identifying and counting birds help scientists?
- Explain the NZ Garden Bird Survey and its role in monitoring bird populations.
Our tūpuna were experts in careful observation. Data collected from observations over centuries informed sustainable mahinga kai by predicting weather patterns and harvesting seasons.
Today, the NZ Garden Bird Survey is the country’s longest-running citizen science project, with over 44,000 surveys undertaken by individuals, schools, and community groups. The survey creates a large amount of data and helps build a long-term dataset to understand how ecosystems and biodiversity are changing over time.
Te Ariki encourages students to make observations just like their ancestors.
Activity/lesson:
Bird watching and data collection (20 mins)
- Print out the NZGBS tally sheet to take part.
- Take students outside to the school grounds or local park.
- In pairs or small groups, observe and count birds for 10 minutes.
- Record bird species, numbers, and behaviour (e.g., flying, perching, eating).
- Encourage students to use careful observation skills and discuss what they notice.
Data analysis and literacy integration (15 mins)
- As a class, tally the results and create a simple bar graph or pictograph.
- Discuss patterns:
- Which bird was most common? Least common?
- Why might some birds be more common in this area?
- Students write a short reflection:
- A day in the life of a Tūī (imaginative narrative).
- Why birds matter (persuasive paragraph).
It’s estimated there are currently 209 breeding bird species in Aotearoa. How can we tell what bird species we are observing? All living and non-living things have distinct features that set them apart from each other. These features allow us to identify and classify everything in nature.
Birds are considered living dinosaurs because they are now known to have evolved from these ancient ancestors. All birds have feathers, an internal skeleton, two legs and wings, breathe air, are warm blooded, and lay eggs. Birds also have remarkable differences – a kiwi (flightless and nocturnal) is very different to a kākā (flighted and diurnal). Each has special adaptations or features that allow them to survive in their preferred habitat.
Te Ariki encourages students to explore their local birdlife.
Activity/lesson:
Classifying bird adaptations (20 mins)
Students can classify the different types of adaptations of native birds:
- Focusing on structural, behavioural or physiological adaptations.
- Download the classifying bird adaptations activity.
As keen observers of te taiao (the natural world), Māori have developed centuries of mātauranga based on these observations. They became experts in kaitiakitanga and implemented multiple conservational tools to preserve and protect the environment.
Today, there are many initiatives and strategies to preserve and restore the natural habitats of the birdlife in Aotearoa.
Te Ariki lays down a wero (challenge) for students to learn from their tūpuna and become kaitiaki of our local environment.
Activity/lesson:
Encourage birds back into our places and spaces
- Create bird-friendly urban spaces: Develop green corridors and urban spaces that provide safe havens for birds. Plant native trees and shrubs to offer food and nesting sites.
- Raise public awareness: Educate your community about the importance of birds and their habitats through campaigns, workshops and school programs. Highlight the role birds play in ecosystems and the benefits they bring to people.
- Citizen science projects: Encourage community involvement in bird monitoring and conservation efforts through citizen science projects like taking part in the NZ Garden Bird Survey.
