Angela Wentworth
Yelverton, BLENHEIM,Marlborough
Summary
Environmental educator and horticulturist with over 30 years of experience across horticulture, education and sustainability. My career has evolved from professional horticulture into leading environmental education programmes that connect children with kai, te taiao and their local communities. My current role involves developing engaging curriculum-linked learning programmes and educational resources, supporting teacher professional learning and creating opportunities for young people to become confident environmental citizens. My practical horticultural background provides a strong foundation for developing authentic garden-based learning experiences that integrate environmental education, kai systems and hauora.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Founding Member
Wairau Nature Network
01.2024 - Current
- Developed strategic direction and established Wairau Nature Network.
- Coordinated collaboration among community organisations, iwi, local government, schools, and environmental groups to restore and reconnect native habitats across Wairau catchment.
Environmental Educator
Marlborough District Council
01.2017 - Current
Development and delivery of environmental education programmes across schools throughout Marlborough.
Key achievements include:
- Designed and developed curriculum-linked environmental education programmes.
- Developed an eight-week Climate Change Learning Programme for intermediate tamariki.
- Developed kaiako resources, newsletters, website content, and educational publications to enhance environmental education delivery.
- Facilitated professional learning workshops for kaiako.
- Coordinated regional environmental education initiatives and akonga events.
- Built partnerships with kura, community organisations and environmental groups.
- Assisted schools in embedding environmental education across teaching programmes to promote sustainable practices.
Kids Edible Gardens Programme Coordinator
Marlborough District Council
01.2014 - 01.2017
Coordinated the regional Kids Edible Gardens programme across primary schools and kindergartens.
- Responsibilities included:
- Programme leadership and coordination.
- Developed seasonal teaching resources to align curriculum with hands-on gardening activities, promoting active learning.
- Supported and mentored kaiako and gardener facilitators, fostering a collaborative environment to improve programme delivery.
- Programme reporting and evaluation.
- Curriculum integration.
Kids Edible Gardens Facilitator
Witherlea School and Rapaura School
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Led garden-based Kids Edible Gardens programme, introducing tamariki to organic kai growing, sustainability, and healthy eating through hands-on experiences.
Sales Representative
Horticom Ltd
01.2003 - 01.2006
Sales Representative
Redfire Nursery
Auckland
01.2002 - 01.2003
Sales Representative
Cameron's Nursery
Sydney
01.2001 - 01.2002
Commercial Sales Representative
Motyaj Potteries
Sydney
01.2000 - 01.2001
Retail Assistant to Assistant Manager
Palmers Garden Centre
01.1994 - 01.2000
Propagation Manager
Crosshills Gardens
01.1993 - 01.1994
Education
Bachelor of Horticulture -
Massey University
01-1993
Skills
- Program development
- Content creation
- Program evaluation
- Teacher professional development
- Leadership initiatives
- Workshop facilitation
- Project management skills
- Relationship management
- Written communication skills
- Experiential learning
- Garden management
- Food production
Professional Leadership And Community Involvement
Wairau Nature Network, Present, As a founding member, I contributed to the strategic direction and establishment of Wairau Nature Network, a collaborative initiative bringing together community organisations, iwi, local government, schools and environmental groups to restore and reconnect native habitats across the Wairau catchment.
Core Expertise
- Education & Programme Development
- Educational content development
- Teacher professional learning
- Resource writing and editing
- Programme evaluation and continuous improvement
- Outdoor and place-based learning
- Student leadership and action learning
- Environmental Education
- School sustainability programmes
- Climate change education
- Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration
- Freshwater and marine education
- Waste minimisation
- Nature connection
- Garden Education
- School edible gardens
- Seasonal food production
- Organic gardening practices
- Composting and worm farming
- Soil health
- Seed saving
Timeline
Founding Member
Wairau Nature Network
01.2024 - Current
Environmental Educator
Marlborough District Council
01.2017 - Current
Kids Edible Gardens Programme Coordinator
Marlborough District Council
01.2014 - 01.2017
Kids Edible Gardens Facilitator
Witherlea School and Rapaura School
01.2013 - 01.2014
Sales Representative
Horticom Ltd
01.2003 - 01.2006
Sales Representative
Redfire Nursery
01.2002 - 01.2003
Sales Representative
Cameron's Nursery
01.2001 - 01.2002
Commercial Sales Representative
Motyaj Potteries
01.2000 - 01.2001
Retail Assistant to Assistant Manager
Palmers Garden Centre
01.1994 - 01.2000
Propagation Manager
Crosshills Gardens
01.1993 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Horticulture -
Massey University