Te Kāhui Maunga | The Story of Taranaki

About this programme

What is the geological and cultural story of Taranaki Maunga? 

Journey into the diverse living heritage of our majestic mountain. Students begin by hearing pūrākau of Taranaki Maunga and his legendary migration from the central plateau, grounding their learning in ancestral narratives and relationships to place. 

Next, they will explore how Taranaki Maunga is recognised today as a living entity—an understanding that reflects values of guardianship, respect, and ongoing connection and conservation.

From story to science, students will move into Whakarūaumoko: Active Earth, where interactive displays reveal the mountain’s volcanic origins, dynamic earth processes, and geological evolution.

Extended hands-on activities weave these strands together, blending science, storytelling, and cultural knowledge to highlight the importance of natural resources and environmental protection. This special programme is designed to deepen students’ understanding of our local volcanoes and how they continue to shape us and the land we call home.