Match, Learn and Play with Freshwater Finders

Education Programme

This holiday season, we’re excited to introduce Freshwater Finders, a matching symbols game designed to bring tamariki and whānau together while learning about Wānaka’s waterways.

Created in collaboration with WAI intern Ryanne from the University of Canterbury, this fast-paced game features illustrations of local lake and river species, native plants, and the tools we use in our citizen science programmes. It’s fun for all ages, and with rounds lasting just a few minutes, it’s easy to pick up and play anytime.

Each Freshwater Finders game comes equip with an index sheet, which has the name (english and te reo Māori) of each species or item in the game, as well as a short description. Two instruction guides for how to play are also included.

View the index sheet here

DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE

Freshwater Finders wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing intern Ryanne, a marketing and design student from the University of Canterbury (through the PACE internship programme). Reflecting on her time with WAI, Ryanne shared:

“The experience allowed me to blend creative design principles with new knowledge, enriching my overall perspective on New Zealand’s environmental wellbeing. I found the project to be self-rewarding as the design conventions reflected WAI’s values to the audience.”

A GIFT FOR LEARNING AND GIVING BACK

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just love the water, Freshwater Finders is a thoughtful gift that’s both entertaining and educational.

We’re offering Freshwater Finders as a thank-you for donations of $25 or more. Here’s how you can receive your copy:

  • Visit our donation page and make a $25 donation. Make sure to include your name and email address in the comments section, as well as the words “Freshwater Finders”. We’ll get in contact to arrange pick-up or it can be posted/couriered at your own cost.
  • Alternatively, you can email getinvolved@waiwanaka.nz to arrange a cash donation.
  • We’ll also have Freshwater Finders games available at our upcoming community events.
Make a $25 donation

We wish to give a huge thank-you to the William Downie Stewart Charitable Trust and Callis Charitable Trust for funding the materials needed to create our Freshwater Finders game.