WILD Lab TIAKI TAIAO

Grab a rare opportunity! We have one workshop that has become available for the end of 2025. Can be taken in the week of the 8th December or the 17th December.

For any new schools, just a reminder it’s a fully funded workshop, linked to the curriculum with all H&S docs provided. You just need to get there.

This isn’t a digital creation or AI-generated image - it’s a solargraph captured by Education Lead & filmmaker at Rangai Studios, using a pinhole camera provided by artist researcher The camera remained untouched for 6 months at Waikereru Ecosanctuary in beautiful Gisborne, New Zealand!
The arcing lines you see are the actual path of the sun tracked across the sky from summer to winter, with each curve representing a single day’s journey. The majestic silhouette in the background is Motukeo, standing sentinel over the ecosanctuary.
How it works: A pinhole camera is simply a light-tight container with a tiny pinhole that lets light through. They used photosensitive paper inside instead of film, and the extraordinary long exposure creates these ethereal sun trails while the landscape appears as a ghostly impression. The higher arcs show summer sun paths, while the lower ones reveal winter’s shorter days.
I love how this ancient, lens-free technique connects us to the rhythms of nature and the cosmos in ways our instant digital photos never could. This single frame contains six months of sunrises and sunsets, weather patterns, and the changing seasons at this special ecological restoration project. PS the blurry bits are thanks to a family of ants who see another homely purpose of pinhole cameras!

Our very own Indiana Jones sharing his treasure today.

If you see a small black object nestled on the side of Pa hill facing Motukeo then you are looking at a pinhole camera installed by Dr Jacqueline Knight for 6 months to capture a solar graph of the landscape. The technology dates back to 4th Century BC except this pinhole camera is made with a used steinlager can!

We are back open for some more wild style learning for 2025. Book your free workshop for your school here:
https://calendly.com/wildlabtiakitaiao

That pesky stoat has been up to mischief again. Luckily we had Te Kura o Mata designing traps with lasers, trap doors, sensors and AI built in. 🙀😿😾

What a fantastic and fun year it has been at Wild Lab Tiaki Taiao, supporting ākonga to foster an ecological consciousness and sense of interconnectedness through direct engagement with the natural environment.

As we start to wrap up the year with our remaining workshops, we look towards 2025... Remember to book your workshop through the online reservation platform at Waikereru.org, or email us at [email protected]

Bookings are limited to four workshops per school.

We look forward to seeing you next year.

Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia!

Waikereru A haven for native birds, plants and animals.

A message from an ecosantuary in Madeira. “If you are thinking 1 year ahead… plant a seed…If you are thinking 10 years ahead…. Plant a tree…If you are thinking 100 years ahead…. Educate the people…