Shantytown School

04/09/2026

Today was Miss Amy’s last day with us as she moves on to new adventures and different endeavours. ❤️

A huge thank you to Miss Amy for all her hard work, creativity and enthusiasm during her time with us. Its been wonderful having you as part of the Shantytown School team and creating memorable learning experiences for so many students.

We wish Miss Amy all the very best for her next adventure! While she is moving on from her current role, you may still see some of her work pop up from time to time around Shantytown School. 😊

Please continue to get in touch with Miss Alison for all your Shantytown School and Marsden Valley Education Centre enquiries.

02/09/2026

Greymouth High School - what a fantastic cohort of Year 9s you have this year! 👏

We loved welcoming Greymouth High School’s Year 9 classes through last week for a variation of Law and Order, exploring the history of protest, suffrage and strikes across the West Coast and New Zealand.

The West Coast has a proud history of people standing up, making their voices heard and advocating for change. From workers fighting for better conditions to those campaigning for the right to vote, people have used the means available to them to make their communities better - not only for themselves, but for future generations.

One of the activities saw students using playing cards to explore who could vote, and when voting rights changed throughout New Zealand’s history - a simple but engaging way to bring these changes to life.

It was fantastic to see our Year 9 students respectfully debate a range of topics, considering them from a historical perspective and putting themselves in the shoes of those who lived through these events.

You brought some great ideas, thoughtful discussion and plenty of enthusiasm to the programme. It was a pleasure having you with us!

Ka pai, Year 9 — keep asking questions, keep thinking critically and keep finding your voice! 👏

01/09/2026

📜 This Day in History - September 1, 1939

Some days in history are days we want to remember.

Others are days we need to remember.

September 1, 1939, is one of those days.

On this day, Germany invaded Poland. Just two days later, on September 3, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the beginning of the Second World War in Europe.

It is easy, looking back from almost 90 years later, to see these events simply as dates in a textbook. But behind those dates were decisions, disagreements, fear, ambition and, ultimately, millions of lives changed forever.

We remember these events not because they are pleasant to remember, but because we don't want to repeat them.

History reminds us that disagreement is part of being human. We will never all think the same, believe the same things or want the same things.

But disagreement does not have to become hatred.

We can disagree and still listen.
We can have different opinions and still respect one another.
We can challenge ideas without attacking.
We can work through our differences without turning to violence.

That is one of the most important lessons history can give us.

We remember the things we don't want to happen again, so that we have a better chance of recognising the path that leads there.

Today, we remember - not to dwell on the past, but to learn from it.

Because peace is not something we should ever take for granted. ❤️

25/08/2026

🌿🎭 SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN AT SHANTYTOWN! 🎭🌿

Looking for something creative, hands-on and a little different these school holidays? Come along to Shantytown Heritage Park for two fun-filled days of imagination, creativity, nature and adventure!

🎭 MASKS, MYSTERY & MAKE-BELIEVE
📅 Wednesday 30 September + Wednesday 7 October

Step into a world of mystery, colour and imagination! Children will design and create their own wearable mask, invent an original character, take part in masked theatre games and finish the day with a lively afternoon parade.

Will they become a mysterious creature, colourful bird, brave superhero, friendly monster - or something completely new? 🐉🦜🦸

🌿 BECOME A LITTLE KAITIAKI
📅 Tuesday 29 September + Tuesday 6 October

Get hands-on with nature! Children will learn about native plants and caring for our environment while collecting and potting suitable wildling plants, gathering and sowing seeds, making seed bombs, creating plantable seed paper and designing their own miniature terrarium. 🌱🐦💚

✨ Both programs run 9am–3pm
💰 $25 per student
👧 Suitable for children aged 5+

There’s plenty of creating, exploring and learning - with lots of fun along the way!

📍 Shantytown Heritage Park

Bookings are essential!
📧 [email protected]
📞 0800 742 689

🌱🎭 Come along, get creative and make some holiday memories at Shantytown!

20/08/2026

Thanks for visiting us over the past two weeks, Te Kura o Cobden Cobden School! We’ve had a rocking good time exploring the geology of Papatūānuku. 🌏

It’s been gneiss to discover how rocks are formed, how they have evolved over time, and the many ways humans have put these incredible natural resources to use.

From observing minerals and rocks to uncovering the stories they tell about our planet, we’ve had a fantastic time digging into geology with you!

There were plenty of solid discoveries, some rock-hard facts, and we 've uncovered so much about the world beneath our feet that we certainly won’t be taking it for granite!

It’s amazing to think that the rocks beneath our feet can tell us so much about the history of Aotearoa - they really are the foundation of our story.

Cobden School, you’ve been sedimentary, my dear… and we hope you’ve had a basalt-ically brilliant time with us! 😄

Thanks for being such a gem of a group - you certainly rocked it! 💎🪨

17/08/2026

Runanga School - thank you for visiting us last week!

It was fantastic to have you join us as we explored the history of Aotearoa - from the first voyagers, through Te Tiriti o Waitangi, conflict, settlement, gold and a rapidly changing society.

Aotearoa is a country of firsts - from being the first self-governing country where women gained the right to vote, to pioneering workers’ rights and social welfare, we are a country shaped by strong values, diverse people and incredible stories.

You discovered that our history is rich, complex and full of many stories that have each shaped our countries history.

With just a simple ball of yarn, you discovered that in New Zealand we are known for having 2 degrees of separation and are all connected somehow.

You learnt through immersive acting. You became the coastline of Aotearoa, discovered the Treaty’s storage place, and realized that you are building history every single day.

New Zealand is a country with a fascinating past, strong values, and incredible stories.

Amazing topic, awesome students and a fantastic day of learning!

See you next time! 👋

13/08/2026

A big thank you to Kaiata Kids Greymouth- The Children's House for visiting us at Shantytown yesterday🥰

It was lovely having the joyful sounds of preschoolers filling the streets as you explored the park and discovered a little bit of history together.

06/08/2026

🎶 We’ve been having a little fun with history!

As we look into the history of Kumara in the lead-up to its 150th birthday this year, we came across a real gem in the book 'Shanties by the Way' - a song called -Vote for Tommy Sedden, Boys written by Ned McCormack.

The book gives us the lyrics, but no musical notes, so we’ve had a little fun using the technology at our fingertips to imagine how this old Kumara song may have sounded. 🎵

We’ve turned Ned McCormack’s words into a tune and brought this little piece of Kumara’s history back to life!

Have a listen - it’s a good one! 👏🎶

Listen and make your own on Suno.

04/08/2026

❄️ A Frosty Morning at Shantytown ❄️

There’s something magical about a frosty morning at Shantytown. 🌿❄️

The ground is covered in a sparkling layer of frost and the air is crisp. This gives us a gentle reminder of what winter mornings might have felt like here generations ago, before modern heating, insulation and all the comforts we have today!

Through our school programmes, students can step into the past and discover what everyday life was like on the West Coast - from work and transport to homes, technology and the challenges of living in a different time.

History isn't just about dates and facts. Sometimes, it's about stepping outside on a frosty morning and imagining what it was like to live here 100 years ago. ❄️

📚 Bring your students to Shantytown and let them experience history for themselves.

23/07/2026

🌺 Step back into history at Shantytown

Did you know that New Zealand was the first self-governing country in the world where women gained the right to vote in parliamentary elections?

Bring your students to Shantytown and explore the fascinating story of women’s suffrage and social change in Aotearoa through a curriculum-linked learning experience.

Students will discover:
✨ What life was like in 1890s New Zealand
✨ Why women campaigned for the right to vote
✨ The role of petitions, public voices, and symbols such as the white and red camellias
✨ How ordinary people helped create extraordinary change

Through engaging activities, historical interpretation, and exploring the stories connected to our heritage, students will develop a deeper understanding of how democracy has evolved and how people can influence change in society.

This programme supports learning across the New Zealand Curriculum, including social sciences, history, citizenship, and understanding how people participate in decision-making and shape communities.

📚 Perfect for classes studying:

Aotearoa New Zealand histories
Democracy and government
Social change
Significant people and events in New Zealand history

Come and experience history where the past comes to life.

📩 Contact the Shantytown Education Team to book your school visit or find out more.