Propelling Taranaki students into immersive virtual environments.
In the wake of Sir Peter Blake’s passing in the Amazon in 2001, BLAKE, formerly known as the Sir Peter Blake Trust, emerged as a beacon of environmental stewardship. Committed to upholding his legacy, the organisation has developed a range of initiatives aimed at nurturing environmental leadership.
“Our aspiration is to inspire and empower all generations to become kaitiaki o te taiao (guardians of the environment),” says Alice Ward-Allen, Head of Discovery Programmes.
One such initiative is the New Zealand Virtual Reality programme (NZ-VR), a collaboration between BLAKE and NZ Geographic. Using immersive 360° footage of Aotearoa’s coastline, both above and below the water, NZ-VR delivers virtual reality lessons designed for students, particularly those in Years 7–10.
During these sessions, students wear VR headsets to explore marine ecosystems—some thriving, others under threat. Guided discussions follow, encouraging students to reflect on how they can contribute to environmental stewardship. “As a small team with big ambitions, our mission is to bring NZ-VR to as many students across Aotearoa as possible,” says Ward-Allen.
Expanding the programme presents logistical challenges, including travel, accommodation, and operational costs. To keep it accessible, BLAKE charges only a small fee to participating schools. A $8,000 grant from Toi Foundation enabled two VR educators to bring the programme to 10 schools across Taranaki in 2023, reaching over 1,100 students in just two weeks.
Alice reflected on the impact of this support, saying, “It allowed us to connect with the wider Taranaki community, strengthening relationships and raising awareness about our organisation and the marine environment.”
For many students, exploring New Zealand’s underwater world is out of reach due to cost and accessibility. NZ-VR bridges this gap, providing a virtual snorkelling experience that is both exciting and educational. But beyond the thrill of underwater exploration, the programme has a deeper purpose — instilling kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in the next generation. Students are encouraged to consider how they can reduce environmental harm, develop solutions, and contribute to a sustainable future.
Toi Foundation’s support has been instrumental in delivering this transformative educational experience, allowing Taranaki students to engage in virtual exploration while fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental protection.