Bringing Local Stories to Life for Marlborough Kids

Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage team has welcomed a part-time Education Coordinator, tasked with helping Marlborough kids connect to their culture and identity through stories of the region.

Andrea Selwood has taken on the role after three decades working in college classrooms across the country. She brings established resources and is collaborating with Marlborough schools, museums and iwi partners to tailor programmes for tamariki.

“The idea behind my work is to strengthen the connections between our tamariki, their culture and our region,” she said. “My approach values adaptability, strong relationships and inclusive learning.”

In one of her first initiatives in the role, Andrea teamed up with Havelock School, taking year six to eight students to Te Pokohiwi, Wairau Bar. There, they learned why tangata whenua settled in the area, explored the wreck of the Waverley, and learned Māori names for some Marlborough landmarks, along with the histories attached to them.

Heritage Marlborough Manager Liz Ward said Andrea’s role was established to help Marlborough kids connect with and learn about their history, strengthening their knowledge and sense of belonging.

“It’s wonderful to have Andrea on the team, working not only with our tamariki but with our schools, museums and iwi to pass on this knowledge in a fun and engaging way. Her ‘Then and Now’ lessons linking to the new social studies curriculum have already been well received by both teachers and students.”