Christchurch City Council (CCC) has been a significant partner of Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University since the programme first started in Canterbury in 2019. Over time, this partnership has evolved and a number of council departments have supported the expansion of learning opportunities in Christchurch and become some of our first Learning Destinations. These include:
CCC Parks and Gardens
CCC Parks and Gardens have plenty of activities throughout the city’s green spaces for members to earn stamps in their passport. Family planting days are a great way for members and their whānau to contribute and learn about creating a healthy habitat for wildlife.
During the autumn, winter and spring school holidays, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens often run a self-guided Discovery Trail which changes with the season as well as a Scavenger Hunt that can be completed any time of year. Members can also explore Halswell Quarry using an augmented reality app on their phone and the Sister City gardens through an activity sheet.
CCC Libraries
All 19 Libraries across Christchurch are popular Learning Destinations and offer a wide range of activities throughout the year. During the holidays, members are able to get stamps in their passport for attending activities, including Matariki star making, Claymation and the Kerbal Space Programme. The library team have also supported CUA by developing online activities for members to enjoy at home.
Civic Programme
The CCC education team has designed a brand new Civic Education programme which involves a free scavenger hunt activity in the Council building aimed at showing our members how Council works and how they can get involved in the decision making process for their city.