In October, the Department of Conservation (Doc) is set to launch an online school project to protect the yellow-eyed penguins' backyard.
Project developer and moderator Monika Fry said the project was an exciting way for children and their teachers to learn about the threats facing the yellow-eyed penguin in a fun and collaborative way.
"The interactive project invites students of all ages to learn about the life and threats to one of our taonga species, the yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho), by thinking about hoiho from other points of view."
Pupils will be asked to think about hoiho from the point of view of a tourist, a farmer, a dog, a sea lion or a fisherman and incorporate these views into the development of a penguin-friendly habitat.
Their online habitat-restoration plan will then be submitted to University of Otago, Doc and Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust experts for feedback.
Doc Coastal Otago community relations programme manager David Mules said it was a challenging and stimulating project.
"It will encourage students to think in different ways to find creative initiatives which may be useful for developing fresh approaches to conservation.
"The project provides another valuable resource to encourage school students to learn and think more of the world of yellow-eyed penguins and how we can help protect them."
Teachers and pupils will be supported during the project with a website, an e-teacher and expert assistance.
Teachers can register by emailing Monika Fry at monika@megabright.co.nz or for more information visit www.megabright.co.nz/YEP/home.html
