18 September 2025 From bugs to bytes: Children’s University brings tamariki to Lincoln

Lincoln University was alive with energy and curiosity in September, with 505 tamariki from across 18 Canterbury schools visiting as part of Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University campus experience.

Over two days, children aged 7 to 14 explored everything from bugs to computers, enjoying hands-on sessions that showcased the breadth of learning available at Lincoln.

The event was made possible with the support of academics, tutors and volunteers who hosted engaging activities across lecture theatres, labs, classrooms and outdoor spaces. For many of these young learners, it was their first time stepping onto a university campus—an experience designed to spark inspiration and open minds to the possibilities of tertiary education.

Children’s University Learning Coordinator Toby Johnson says the programme is unlike anything else in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its popularity is continuing to grow.

“The programme places a spotlight on tertiary education, which is really important today, with most young people realising they will need to complete further education to build their future careers. We have 50 schools currently enrolled in the programme, with 56 more on the waiting list. To support more children getting access to this programme, we are looking to expand the campus experience to three days next year,” says Toby. 

The sessions were as diverse as they were imaginative. Children extracted real DNA from bananas, investigated food families, explored the world of soils and designed sheep and camouflaged lizards. One standout session, led by Master’s student Heidi Allan, challenged students to create their own insect.

Heidi, who studies Conservation and Ecology with a focus on beetles, has volunteered with Children’s University for the past four years. This year, she hosted her own session, and by doing so, she has unlocked an interest in environmental education as part of her future career.

“I really enjoy working with the children and seeing the big difference it makes. I hope it inspires them to consider science and the environment as career paths,” says Heidi. “It was awesome to see the amazing ideas they came up with during the session. So much variety in what was being designed, considering they can only use three body parts and six legs!”

A particularly meaningful session was led by Jayne Smith and Dr Lynne Robertson, inspired by Wharenui Harikoa, a recent exhibition held at the Canterbury Museum. Each child created a small weaving using colourful yarn that will be stitched together to form a cloak, a symbol of humanity and unity. The cloak will be proudly displayed at the Children’s University graduation ceremony later this year.