Pou Hīkoi Walking Pou
This set of resources guide schools to setting up a Walking Pou and running a student-led project.
About this resourceFind out what a Walking Pou is and how you could set up this initiative at your school. Develop a student-led project with your class and know who to contact that can support your school in implementing. See planning templates and examples as well as a full breakdown of the steps involved. Explore how a Walking Pou can be combined with Walking School Bus or Park and Stride initiatives. |
(1.4 MB, Pdf) |
Steps for student-led projectThis supplementary resource provides a step-by-step guide for kura (schools) who are interested in setting up a Walking Pou. |
(1 MB, Pdf) |
Making a plan - exampleTeaching Resource: When, what and who, when setting up a Walking Pou. This resource gives an example of a plan for a Walking Pou project. Refer to the template below for a blank version. |
(83 KB, Pdf) |
Walking Pou - plan templateLearning Resource: Supporting students on a Walking Pou Project – taking action. Ākonga (students) can use the template to make their own plan. |
(77 KB, Pdf) |
Supporting resources and links
A Pou Hīkoi (Walking Pou) is based on a Māori concept of Pouwhenua (land post). Traditionally these are carved wooden posts that are a cultural marker or symbol. They mark a place of significance that connects people with place.
They can be painted or decorated in a way that foster cultural identity and engage the community. Pou can enrich our understanding of te āo Māori (Māori culture). They connect people with the environment. They strengthen a sense of belonging and identity through artwork and storytelling.
- The story of Berhampore School’s Walking Pou and Walking School Busopen_in_new, as an Enviroschools
leadership project. - The Berhampore School storyopen_in_new as a collaborative process (Education Gazette).
- Link to Creative communities: Creative Communities Scheme | Creative New Zealandopen_in_new.
- Your local library account may give you free access to the Generosity Funding portal, GivUsopen_in_new, to find suitable grants to apply for.
- Local paint and hardware stores often give school's a discount. You may need to provide ID or a letter of support from the school.
Consider what your school policy is when applying for grants or funding. Are there any grants which you cannot apply to? note also that some grant providers will not fund schools directly, but may fund a charity associated with the school (such as a parent and whānau fundraising group).
In kind support can be useful to reduce costs. Hardware and paint stores may supply products at a discount. Local tradies (parents at school?) may be able to help with logistics or transport. Your local council may be able to provide graffiti guard to protect the Pou and cover the installation cost.
What next?
Rārangi Hīkoi Walkability Checklist
How walkable is your school neighbourhood?
Related Lessons
Te Waka Hīkoi Walking School Bus
Leading a Walking School Bus project at your school.
Tirohanga Whānui Overview
Summary of resources and NZ Curriculum Achievement Objectives.
Te Taiao Environment
Mā raro, mā wīra rānei nā te mea he pai ake mō te taiao!
I walk or wheel because it’s good for the environment!
Te Taiao is the Movin'March focus for 2025.