Students encouraged to see both sides of the fence

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission will soon take its Outdoor Access Code to schools with the launch of the Both Sides of the Fence teacher-student online environment.

The student-centred website will present engaging animated activities and resources designed to introduce primary school children to aspects of responsible behaviour when accessing the outdoors. 

It will incorporate materials and lesson ideas for teachers, together with a web book, an interactive 'explore' map with access-based scenarios , and a photo gallery where students can upload photos and stories about parts of New Zealand that are special to them.

New Zealand Walking Access Commission Chief Executive Mark Neeson said teaching children about responsible behaviour when accessing the outdoors was more important than ever.

“A large proportion of our population now lives in urban centres. Both Sides of the Fence will provide teachers and students with the type of engaging resources that are so badly needed if we want to keep the urban-rural connection alive.â€