For educators
We love welcoming tamariki and rangatahi into the Miramar Prison Garden along with their kaiako. Situated on the site of the former Wellington Prison, it is surrounded by regenerating bush and is a short walk to 5 significant pā sites, and New Zealand’s oldest continually working farm with resident cows and horses. Within half an hour’s walk are Massey Memorial, and several important military sites including Fort Ballance.
Along with enthusiastic volunteers with deep knowledge of the garden and its history, our learning coordinator, Kate Curtis, is an experienced social sciences teacher who can work with your school to offer Education Outside the Classroom opportunities that align with Te Mātaiaho (the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum), NCEA subjects, and your school’s local curriculum.
We can offer:
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On-site professional learning and development in local history for kaiako
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Informative tours of the garden and visit to the neighbouring farm to meet horses and cows
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Exploration of our mini-museum and getting hands-on with garden and prison artefacts
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Walking tours of local pā sites and historic military structures
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Sharing knowledge and stories of prison life right where it happened
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Opportunities to participate in garden work and inspiration for in-school gardens
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A location for fieldwork for Geography ākonga, with resources aligned with the new NCEA Level 1
The Miramar Prison Garden is accessible via public transport on route 24 and there is ample parking and turnaround space for buses. We have a composting toilet and are currently restoring our drinkable water supply.
We are able to provide hands-on learning for early learning through to secondary, and would like to partner with local schools in 2024. Get in touch with our learning coordinator, Kate Curtis, via learning@miramarprisongarden.org to learn more.
This resource focuses on exploring the Māori history and geography of Mataimoana | Mt Crawford through primary source exploration. It includes a number of captioned photographs, paintings, and historical accounts. This resource can be aligned to the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum (spanning years 3-4).
This introductory resource was developed for students at Miramar North School. All educators are welcome to copy and adapt it.
Primary Resource
Mataimoana: History under our feet
Trail Map Project
This trail map describes two 1.5 hour loop walks that begin and end at the Miramar Prison Garden. It includes information about 5 pā and 2 kainga sites, as well as historic military structures along the way. Both trails are challenging with steep sections and are best suited to older rangatahi.