17 December 2025 at 10:30 am
Celebrating 25 years of EcoQuest: Building global partnerships in education
EcoQuest recently marked 25 years of connecting learners and communities through environmental education and research. More than 80 people from New Zealand and the U.S. came together to celebrate this milestone.
Since 1999, EcoQuest has welcomed 1,260 undergraduate students from 90 U.S. universities to its programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand. At the heart of this success is a long-standing partnership with the University of New Hampshire (UNH), which has helped create opportunities for students to learn about ecology, restoration, sustainability, and environmental policy in a hands-on, community-based setting.
The anniversary event brought together alumni, faculty from UNH, collaborators, and partners from across New Zealand. ENZ representatives were in attendance, highlighting a commitment to supporting partnerships between New Zealand private training establishments (PTEs) and global partners.
EcoQuest international students from New Hampshire and Michigan.
Over two days, attendees heard from speakers, took part in workshops, and reflected on the impact of EcoQuest’s work.
EcoQuest Co-founder and Academic Director Ria Brejaart spoke at the celebration, paying tribute to important global and local partnerships.
“Many people both here in Aotearoa and the US were critical in making EcoQuest a reality and a success.
“EcoQuest’s programmes would not remotely be the same without support from the local community and iwi, Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Whanaunga and wider networks and contributors throughout New Zealand,” Ria said.
Recently, EcoQuest evolved into the EcoQuest Centre for Indigeneity, Ecology, and Creativity, guided by Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, Chair of the EcoQuest Board and current Director. The Centre aims to grow as an intercultural learning community, expanding opportunities for both international and domestic learners.
