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Welcome to the AquaVerse!
Click here for teacher info
The AquaVerse is your gateway into the world of water — where science, people, technology, and the environment all connect. ● There are five unique Worlds to explore: ○ Nature World ○ Built World ○ Solutions World ○ Innovation World ○ People World
● Each World has three Levels:
○ At Level 1, you step in and discover. ○ At Level 2, you practice and apply. ○ At Level 3, you master skills and lead.
Explorer’s Handbook Built World
Nature World
Innovation World
Solutions World
●
You can Level Up or Portal Jump at any time.
●
When you enter a world, you’ll:
People World
● Level 1 Level up
Level 2
Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Watch a short video.
○
Answer a quick quiz question.
Next, choose your path: ○
Portal Jump → stay at your level, but explore a new world with a new video.
○
Level Up → complete a short task. If you succeed, you’ll move to the next level in the same world.
Level up
Portal Jump
Level 2
Level 2
Level up
Level 2
Level 2 Level up
Portal Jump
● Level 3
○
Level 3
Level 3
Level 3
Portal Jump
Level 3
After leveling up, you can keep leveling up or portal jump again — this time within your new level, unlocking more worlds to explore.
Let’s get started ● I don’t know what my world is, can I take a quiz? ● I know one of these is my jam - I going straight to my world: ○ Nature ○ Built ○ Solutions ○ Innovation ○ People
Question 1: What motivates you most when thinking about the future? A.
Protecting and restoring natural systems so people and wildlife thrive
B.
Designing and building the essential systems that keep society running
C.
Solving problems to ensure safe and clean water for everyone
D.
Inventing and improving tools that make processes smarter and more efficient
E.
Working with people and communities to make change meaningful and lasting
Click on your chosen option
Question 2: What kind of task gives you the most satisfaction? A. B. C. D. E.
Collecting data outdoors and understanding how the natural world works Planning, designing, or building physical systems that others rely on Investigating problems, testing solutions, and improving processes Exploring new ideas, coding, or working with digital tools Facilitating discussions, teaching, or empowering others
Click on your chosen option
Which global challenge do you feel most called to tackle? (UN Sustainable Development Goals shown in brackets) A. B. C. D. E.
Climate action & life below water/land (SDG 13, 14, 15) Industry, innovation, and resilient infrastructure (SDG 9, 11) Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) Affordable and clean energy / responsible consumption & production (SDG 7, 12) Reduced inequalities & sustainable communities (SDG 10, 17)
Click on your chosen option
Notes for Teachers ● The AquaVerse is designed to be flexible: you can use it “as is,” or tailor it to best fit your students’ learning needs. ● The Level Up tasks provided in this resource are: ○ Linked to the New Zealand Curriculum (across English, Maths, Social Sciences, Health & PE, and Technology), ensuring relevance to secondary classrooms. ○ Based on the Water Supply Industry Pathways — a distillation of the core workforce roles and skills required to maintain and operate New Zealand’s water assets and services. ● But, these tasks are included as examples only. You can: ○ Replace them with your own activities ○ Adapt them for your classroom context ○ Use the formatted task slides (available for download) to expand and customise the concept Back to the intro
Welcome to the Nature world! You’re about to step into the heart of water science—exploring our environment, uncovering mysteries, and protecting water health. Get ready to investigate, sample, and make a real difference!
● Let’s start by meeting Kelsey, a sampling specialist…
Nature
Question What sparked Kelsey’s interest in freshwater science? A. Growing up next to the ocean and studying marine ecosystems B. Playing in rivers as a child and noticing changes in water quality C. A high school project on renewable energy D. Volunteering in pest eradication programmes
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Nature? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up
Kelsey takes a range of samples that help ensure that the water we drink and swim in is safe. But it’s important for Kelsey to stay safe while she’s taking a water sample. Which of the following site do you think would be the best for her to sample from?
Correct answer: arrow on left at end of path
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Kaitiaki status!
You can now move on to level 2.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
Built World awaits Solutions World is open Innovation World is ready People World welcomes you
Welcome to the Built world! You’ve just entered Built World—a place for creators and problem-solvers. From digging foundations to leading construction teams, your choices shape New Zealand’s future. Grab your tools and help safeguard our most vital resource!
● Let’s start by meeting Mason, a construction wizard…
Built World
Question According to Mason, why is his work valuable for the wider community? A. It helps Wellington become a tourist destination. B. It reduces the need for new infrastructure investment. C. It keeps the environment, city, and people safe through water management. D. It provides more opportunities for young people to play sport.
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in the Built World? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up
Your manager sees your potential and wants to help you step up into a water network technician role — but first, you need to know which qualification will get you there. A. NZQA L4 Certificate in Pipeline Construction and Maintenance B.
NZQA L4 Certificate in Infrastructure Works (Single Site Supervision)
C.
NZQA L4 in Drainlaying
Correct answer: A L4 Cert in Pipeline Construction
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Kaitiaki status!
You can now move on to level 2. Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next?
➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
Nature World is calling Solutions World is open Innovation World is ready People World welcomes you
Welcome to the Solutions world! Kia ora! Solutions World is your portal to engineering and science in action. Explore cutting-edge ideas, fix real-world problems, and learn what it takes to keep water safe and flowing. Let’s solve these challenges together
● Let’s start by meeting Tama, who is on the front line of protecting community health by providing safe drinking water…
Solutions
Question What is Tama’s main responsibility at the Waikanae water treatment plant?
A. Designing new stormwater systems B. Building roads and bridges for the council C. Teaching schools about water conservation D. Treating and distributing safe water to the community
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - You're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Solutions? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up You are on shift at a water treatment plant. A routine maintenance check must be carried out on a filter unit to make sure it’s operating safely and effectively. The checklist has been scrambled — your task is to put the steps into the correct order. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Record findings in the maintenance logbook. Turn off and isolate the filter unit (lockout/tagout). Inspect the filter media for blockages or damage. Restart the unit and check flow/pressure readings. Remove any debris from screens or strainers. Which of these has the order of steps in the correct order? A. 2, 3, 5, 4, 1 B.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
C.
2, 4, 1, 5, 3
D.
5, 1, 4, 2, 3 Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Kaitiaki status!
You can now move on to level 2. Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
Nature World is calling Built World awaits Innovation World is ready People World welcomes you
Welcome to the Innovation world! Welcome to Innovation World! You’re on the frontier of water technology—where digital tools, sensors, and smart systems help us see, monitor, and fix challenges before they happen. Ready to unlock the next big idea.
● Let’s start by meeting Musab who monitors our secretive underground pipe network…
Innovation
Question Musab Ali works as a CCTV operator at Citycare Water. Which skill connects him most to the Technology World? A. Using advanced cameras to inspect underground pipes
B. Digging trenches and laying new stormwater pipes C. Mixing chemicals for water treatment D. Teaching water safety in schools
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Innovation? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up You are a CCTV operator checking wastewater pipes. In the attached image identify the following four signs of contamination or blockage: ● Tree root ● Cracking ● Fat deposits ● Rubbish
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Kaitiaki status!
You can now move on to level 2. Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ People World welcomes you
Welcome to People and Community! In the People and Community World, real change begins with people. See how listening, sharing, and honouring culture shape healthier water for everyone. Your ideas and voice matter here—step in and help connect communities with solutions.
● Let’s start by meeting Hone and Brooke who work with their communities to make a real difference…
People
Question Brooke and Hone say that future stream management should focus on what? A. Restoring natural stream environments and protecting ecological health B. Quickly removing water from cities to prevent flooding C. Building more pipes and concrete channels D. Ignoring erosion and letting streams manage themselves
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in People and Community? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up Brooke and Hone are out in the community talking about stormwater. Some people share wrong ideas, and their team needs to respond clearly and politely. Flip the cards to see a suggestion on an appropriate response.
That pollutes rivers. The safe It’s fine to pour option is taking paint down paint to a drains. recycling centre.
Every drain matters to stop We don’t need flooding. to clean all the Maintaining drains, just the drains is easy ones. important for everyone.
Soapy water runs straight intoI Why can’t drains and harms wash my car fish. It’s better to with on washsoap cars on the driveway? grass or at a car wash.
Communities andcouncil councils The will must sort work out stormwater, together —not everyone us. has a role to play.
Click to reveal the answers
Congratulations, you have reached Kaitiaki status!
You can now move on to level 2. Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ Innovation World is ready
AquaVerse Level 2
Let’s get started ● Which world are you in? ○ Nature ○ Built ○ Solutions ○ Innovation ○ People
Nature Great to see you back in Nature World! You’ve already explored the basics of water science — now it’s time to go further. At Level 2, you’ll take a closer look at how human activity affects our environment, practice using data to spot changes, and learn how science guides real decisions. This is where you step up from exploring to protecting and restoring the natural world.
● Let’s start by meeting Kasey…
Nature
Question Why is wastewater treatment important for the natural environment? A. It ensures water is always available in summer
B. It makes pipes and pumps run more smoothly C. It reduces the cost of electricity D. It helps protect fish, shellfish, and marine life from harmful pollution
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Nature? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up You work with Kacey at the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant discharges into a freshwater stream. You receive the following recent operational data. One of the values breaches a freshwater guideline and may harm the ecosystem. ➔ Your job is to identify which parameter is out of compliance. Parameter
Result
Compliance Limit
pH
8.4
6.5-8.5 normal range
Nitrate-N (NO3-N)
3.5 mg/L
3.4 mg/L
Total Phosphorus
0.15 mg/L
0.03 mg/L
Click to reveal the correct answer
Question (part 2) Which action would you take to reduce the parameter(s) that you have identified as being out of compliance?
A. Increase plant discharge flow without treatment B. Add phosphorus removal / upgrade filtering / treatment for nutrients C. Ignore it — the guideline limits are only for drinking water D. Reduce pH by adding chemicals to lower it
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Takawaenga status!
You have been promoted to level 3! Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ Innovation World is ready ➔ People World welcomes you
Built World Let’s keen exploring Built World! You’ve picked up the tools and learned the basics — now it’s time to think bigger. At Level 2, you’ll dive into how New Zealand’s infrastructure works, from pipes and drainage to treatment systems. This is where builders become designers and problem-solvers.
● Let’s start by meeting Shannon…
Built World
Question Why does Shannon describe infrastructure maintenance as such an important part of the job? A. Because regular maintenance keeps essential water systems working safely for communities B. Because it reduces the cost of new technology C. Because it gives construction workers a chance to design new buildings D. Because it replaces the need for treatment plants
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! Want to take on deeper challenges in the Built World? Click here
Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up One day, you might run your own construction business. To succeed, you’ll need to plan carefully, budget well, and make smart decisions. Your speadsheet for a recent drainage job is shown below. ➔
How much profit did you make?
Item
Expenses (cost)
Labour (2 days)
$500/day
Materials
$600
Transport
$100
Income
A. B. C. D.
Total Cost Customer Payment
$2000 $600 $200 $100
$2000
Profit Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Takawaenga status!
You have been promoted to level 3. Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ Innovation World is ready ➔ People World welcomes you
Solutions Welcome back to Solutions World! You’ve explored how science and engineering keep our water safe — now it’s time to roll up your sleeves. At Level 2, you’ll dive deeper into the tools and processes behind treatment systems, testing water quality, and troubleshooting faults. This is where you practice turning theory into action, building the skills that water engineers and technicians use every day to solve real-world challenges.
● Let’s start by meeting Sifa…
Solutions
Question What does Sifa enjoy most about his work in the water industry? A. Getting recognition and fame for his projects B. Designing skyscrapers and new roads C. Working as part of a team and delivering infrastructure that supports the city’s growth and well-being D. Spending most of his time working alone in the lab
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Solutions? Click here
➔
Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up
The local water treatment plant has broken down, and the community needs safe drinking water again quickly. As the treatment engineer, your job is to rebuild a simplified plant diagram by putting the missing components back in the right places. ➔
Disinfection
What process should be in position C?
Filtration
A
B
C
D
Screening Coagulation and settling
Click to reveal the correct answer
Level up (part 2) ➔ Great work, what component should go into position D? Disinfection
A
B
D
Filtration
Screening Coagulation and settling
Click to reveal the correct answer
Level up Great work! ➔
Click to automatically sort the remaining two processes to the correct places to complete the diagram.
A
B
Screening
Coagulation and settling
Filtration
Disinfection
Congratulations, you have reached Takawaenga status!
You have been promoted to level 3! Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Innovation World is ready ➔ People World welcomes you
Innovation Welcome back to Innovation World! You’ve discovered the power of digital tools — now it’s time to put them to work. At Level 2, you’ll practice spotting patterns in data, testing new monitoring systems, and using technology to solve problems faster and smarter. This is where curiosity meets skill — and every click, sensor, and screen helps protect our water.
● Let’s start by meeting Eva…
Innovation
Question When Eva looks at her samples, what gives her the most excitement? A. Finding cracks in underground pipes B. Measuring rainfall in the city C. Discovering new insects in gardens D. Seeing special indicator species that show the water is very clean
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Innovation? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Case Notes:
Level up Sometimes, even in New Zealand, communities have faced outbreaks of illness caused by contaminated water. As a public health investigator, your job is to look at three real case studies and work out where they happened and what went wrong. ➔
A
Outbreak B • Small Canterbury town, 2012 • Backup bore water wasn’t treated • About 130 people fell ill • Pathogen: same as Outbreak A
B
Using the clues, which of the two organisms below do you think caused an outbreak in Havelock North?
C Cryptosporidium
Outbreak A • North Island town, 2016 • Over 5,000 people sick • Traced to sheep waste in drinking water • Pathogen: spiral-shaped bacteria
Outbreak C • Tourist hotspot in Otago, 2023 • Boil water notices issued • Parasite seen in water samples • Pathogen: round microscopic parasite that causes diarrhoea
Campylobacter
Click to reveal the correct answer
Case Notes:
Level up
Outbreak A • North Island town, 2016 • Over 5,000 people sick • Traced to sheep waste in drinking water • Pathogen: spiral-shaped bacteria
Sometimes, even in New Zealand, communities have faced outbreaks of illness caused by contaminated water. As a public health investigator, your job is to look at three real case studies and work out where they happened and what went wrong. ➔
Outbreak B • Small Canterbury town, 2012 • Backup bore water wasn’t treated • About 130 people fell ill • Pathogen: same as Outbreak A
Using the clues, which of the two organisms below do you think caused an outbreak in Queenstown?
B
C Cryptosporidium
Outbreak C • Tourist hotspot in Otago, 2023 • Boil water notices issued • Parasite seen in water samples • Pathogen: round microscopic parasite that causes diarrhoea
Campylobacter
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Takawaenga status!
You have been promoted to level 3. Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ People World welcomes you
People and Community Let’s continue your journey in People and Community World! You’ve seen how listening and sharing can spark change — now it’s time to put those skills into action. At Level 2, you’ll practice engaging with different groups, from whānau to local councils, and learn how clear communication and consultation make water projects succeed. This is where your voice grows stronger — helping connect people with the solutions they need.
● Let’s start by meeting Zach…
People
Question What is one benefit Zach highlights about engaging mana whenua early in stormwater projects? A. It reduces the cost of stormwater projects B. It allows engineers to work independently C. It avoids the need for community consultation D. It makes the design process easier and ensures cultural values are included
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔
➔
Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Want to take on deeper challenges in People and community? Click here
Level up In Aotearoa, Te Mana o te Wai is one of the principles that can be used to guide how we care for water. It sets an order of priorities: 1⃣ Protect the health of the water (the wai) and its mauri (life force). 2⃣ Protect the health needs of people. 3⃣ Support other uses, like industry or recreation.”
Quick Check Question: What is the first priority in Te Mana o te Wai? A.
Meeting the needs of businesses
B.
Reducing the cost of projects
C.
Making water available for recreation
D.
Protecting the health of the water Click to reveal the correct answer
Level up (part 2) Zach’s team is designing a new stormwater system. At the community meeting, different groups share their feedback: ◆ Some residents want the cheapest pipes to finish the job quickly. ◆ Mana whenua ask for naturalised wetlands to protect the mauri (life force) of the stream.
◆ The council suggests a compromise design with pipes and a wetland area. ➔ Which approach best represents the application of the principles of the Te Mana o Te Wai framework?
A.
Cheapest pipes only — fast and cost-effective.
B.
Naturalised wetlands — protects the stream and its life force.
C.
Compromise design — balances cost, community, and environment. Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Takawaenga status!
You have been promoted to level 3. Click here to activate your promotion.
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ Innovation World is ready
AquaVerse Level 3
Let’s get started ● Which world are you in? ○ Nature ○ Built ○ Solutions ○ Innovation ○ People
Nature Welcome back, guardian of Nature World! You’ve explored, investigated, and learned how science reveals the health of our environment. Now it’s time to lead the way. At Level 3, you’ll design solutions, guide others in protecting waterways, and make decisions that balance people and nature. This is your chance to step into the role of an environmental leader — turning knowledge into action for the future.
● Let’s start by meeting Ebi…
Nature
Question While surveying Lake Pupuki, what surprising discovery did Ebi and his team uncover? A. A new fish species never seen before
B. A massive historic bed of rare freshwater mussels C. A geothermal vent under the lake D. A new invasive aquatic weed
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Nature? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up
You’ve been helping Ebi collect water quality samples from Lake Pupuki. The results show how the lake changes over time. ➔
Week
Now, your job is to make sense of the data and share what it means for the health of the lake.
Temperature (ºC)
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
Nitrate (mg/L)
A.
Oxygen levels are falling while nitrates are rising
B.
Oxygen levels are rising and nitrates are falling
1
19
8.2
0.5
2
21
7.0
0.8
C.
Both oxygen and nitrates are stable
3
23
6.1
1.2
D.
There is no pattern
Correct answer: A
Click to reveal the correct answer
Level Up (part 2) Write a one-sentence finding you would share with the council or community about what’s happening in the lake
➔ Now think about how you would communicate this finding in a way that helps people connect with it. What could you do to make the message clearer or more engaging for the community? Click to reveal an example answer ●
Example answer (there are no right answers to this): ○
My sentence is “As the lake warms, oxygen levels are dropping and nitrates are increasing, which could harm freshwater life.”
○
To communicate this I would then make a simple poster with a picture of fish and mussels, showing that low oxygen makes it harder for them to survive.
Congratulations, you have reached Rangatira status! Nature World Journey Complete! ●
●
●
At Level 1, with Kelsey you stepped into the environment — learning how water connects with the natural world and why protecting it matters. At Level 2, you explored with Kasey how people and engineers care for our waterways, and how everyday actions help protect the environment. At Level 3, with Ebi, you became a scientist — collecting data, spotting patterns, and communicating results to protect lakes and rivers.
You’ve mastered the skills of investigation, problem-solving, and communication. Just like environmental scientists, you can now use evidence to make sense of our world and help others take action.
Click on the picture to enter the prize draw for a year’s free CareerWise!
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ Innovation World is ready ➔ People World welcomes you
Built World You’ve proven your skills in Built World — now step up as a leader of infrastructure. At Level 3, you’ll take charge of planning and building systems that protect people and resources for generations. From coordinating teams to managing complex projects, your role is to balance safety, sustainability, and innovation. This is where you go beyond construction — shaping the future of water and the cities we live in.
● Let’s start by meeting Nick…
Built World
Question What is one of Nick’s main responsibilities as a supervisor? A. Setting up the team, monitoring daily activities, and ensuring safety B. Designing new pipe systems C. Operating machinery full time D. Selling construction services to clients
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in the Built World? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up Nick is supervising a drainage project. Two workers are in conflict: ● Worker A refuses to continue, saying the trench is unsafe without more shoring. ● Worker B wants to push ahead quickly to keep the client happy. ● Meanwhile, the client is pressuring Nick to finish on time, and the council inspector is due to arrive in 30 minutes. ➔
As supervisor, Nick must decide how to handle the situation. Should he…
A.
Support Worker A and stop the job immediately, even if it causes delays.
B.
Support Worker B and continue quickly, keeping the client satisfied.
C.
Avoid making a decision until the inspector arrives.
D.
Balance both — pause briefly to assess safety with the team, explain the decision to the client, and prepare for the inspector
Correct answer: D
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations, you have reached Rangatira status! Built World Journey Complete! ● ● ●
At Level 1, you learned how to read plans and start your career pathway. At Level 2, you kept projects on track by balancing resources and budgets. At Level 3, you stepped up as a leader, showing how to solve problems, keep people safe, and work with clients.
You’ve mastered the skills of problem-solving, resource management, and teamwork. Just like construction supervisors in the real world, you’re now ready to lead a team and help build New Zealand’s future. Click on the picture to enter the prize draw for a year’s free CareerWise!
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ Innovation World is ready ➔ People World welcomes you
Solutions You’ve mastered the tools of Solutions World — now it’s your turn to lead innovation and resilience. At Level 3, you’ll design smarter systems, respond to emergencies, and create new ways to keep water flowing in a changing world. This stage is about thinking ahead: how can we protect communities and the environment, not just today but for future generations?
● Let’s start by meeting Gabriela…
Innovation
Question Why does Gabriela believe water engineers save lives?
A. Because they prevent people from dying of waterborne diseases B. Because they build hospitals in developing countries C. Because they provide vaccines and medicines D. Because they make farming more efficient
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Solutions? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up ● Gabriela’s team is planning how to make sure Auckland has enough drinking water over the next 30 years. The city’s population is growing fast, and demand for water is increasing. But new water projects are expensive and take years to build. ● The council is deciding between three options: ○ Build a new water treatment plant on the Waikato River. ○ Expand water storage and reservoirs to capture more rainfall. ○ Invest in water conservation programs to reduce how much water people use.
➔ Using the cost estimates and data below, choose the option you think is best for meeting Auckland’s future water demand. Write a short persuasive argument (2–3 sentences) to Auckland Council explaining why your choice makes the most sense. Be sure to mention both cost and public support in your response. Project
Cost Estimate
Public Support*
New treatment plant
$1.1 billion
82%
Expand storage
$68 million
74%
Water conservation
$150 million
46%
* You could run this is as a quick survey in class and replace these with your own numbers.
Click to reveal an example answer
Example answers There is no right answer to this question but some examples are: ○ “I recommend investing in water conservation programs. They are the lowest cost option and can start saving water within 2 years. While the public survey showed the lower support for conservation, if done well it would save costs and the planet.”
Or ○ “I recommend expanding storage and reservoirs. Although they cost around $68 million,
they can be delivered faster than a new treatment plant and are less expensive overall. The public survey showed good support for this option, making it both practical and publicly acceptable.”
Congratulations, you have reached Rangatira status! Solutions World Journey Complete! ●
●
●
At Level 1, you discovered how science and engineering provide clean water and protect public health. At Level 2, you explored treatment processes and learned how to design simple improvements. At Level 3, you became a problem solver — weighing costs and community support to recommend the best options for future water demand.
You’ve mastered the skills of designing, testing, and applying solutions. Just like water engineers, you can now combine knowledge and creativity to solve real-world challenges.
Click on the picture to enter the prize draw for a year’s free CareerWise!
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Innovation World is ready ➔ People World welcomes you
Innovation You’ve proven yourself an innovator — now step forward as a pioneer of water technology. At Level 3, you’ll design smarter systems, lead projects that use automation and AI, and invent solutions no one has seen before. This is about pushing boundaries, guiding others, and shaping a future where technology, science and people work together to keep water safe.
● Let’s start by meeting Gabriela…
Innovation
Question Which subjects did Gabriela say were especially important for her career as a chemical engineer?
A. History and economics B. Art and music C. Chemistry, maths, and some physics D. Geography and drama
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in Innovation? Click here
➔ Craving something different? Leap into a new AquaVerse world and discover new skills! Click here
Level up
Gabriela’s team relies on digital sensors to make sure treated water is safe to drink. Sensors track pH, turbidity (cloudiness), and chlorine levels. Today, one of the sensors was found to be faulty and Gabriela finds that the alarm that should have activated had been turned off. The data for the past three days shows:
Parameter
Normal Range
Reading 1
Reading 2
Reading 3
pH
6.5-8.5
7.5
6.2
6.8
Turbidity
Less than 1 NTU
0.8 NTU
0.7 NTU
0.9 NTU
Chlorine
0.2-0.5 mg/L
0.1 mg/L
100 mg/L
0.001 mg/L
➔
You need to: ➔ Identify which sensor was not working ➔ Write a short (2–3 sentence) message Gabriela could send to her team explaining: ◆ what’s wrong, ◆ why monitoring is critical for public health, and ◆ why keeping sensors switched on matters for plant performance. Click to reveal an example answer
Example answers The data shows that the chlorine sensor is faulty. Gabriela might like to say something like: ○ “The chlorine sensor has been giving faulty readings which wasn’t detected because its alarm was switched off. Without chlorine data, we can’t be sure the water is safe from harmful microbes like E. coli. This shows why it’s critical to keep all sensors switched on to protect public health and keep the plant running properly.”
Or ○ “The chlorine sensor has failed, and the alarm system was disabled. This is a serious risk because chlorine levels are the key defence against contamination. Reliable, continuous monitoring is essential to make sure treated water stays safe for the community and the plant performs at its best.”
Congratulations, you have reached Rangatira status! Innovations World Journey Complete! ●
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At Level 1, you stepped into the frontier of technology — seeing how digital tools help us understand water systems. At Level 2, you explored how sensors and data can reveal hidden problems and opportunities. At Level 3, you became an innovator — using digital sensors and data to detect problems, protect public health, and keep treatment plants performing at their best.
You’ve mastered the skills of data, systems thinking, and innovation. Just like our explorers, you can now harness digital tools to build a smarter water future. Click on the picture to enter the prize draw for a year’s free CareerWise!
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ People World welcomes you
People and Community You’ve become a true connector — now step up as a leader in Community World. At Level 3, you’ll guide conversations, honour diverse perspectives, and inspire collective action to protect water. This stage is about influence and leadership: building partnerships, weaving culture with science, and empowering others to take part. Your role is to bring people together to create lasting change.
● Let’s start by meeting Tina…
People
Question Why does Tina believe mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) is important for environmental management? A. Because it offers native perspectives that help care for the environment for everyone B. Because it provides a competitive advantage for Māori businesses C. Because it ensures more water is used for agriculture D. Because it replaces the need for scientific methods
Click to reveal the correct answer
Congratulations - you're building your expertise! ➔ Want to take on deeper challenges in People or Community? Click here
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Level up Tina is at a hui (meeting) about managing a local river. Three groups are at the table: ● Council Planner: “We need to balance water use for farms and town supply.” ● Mana Whenua Representative: “The awa’s (river’s) health must come first — Te Mana o te Wai guides us.” ● Local Farmer: “If you limit water use, my crops and business will suffer.” Tina’s role is to make sure all voices are heard fairly, while showing how Te Mana o te Wai helps guide decisions. ➔ You task is to: ◆ Arrange the three voices in the order you think Tina should let them speak. ◆ Explain (in 1–2 sentences) why that order would help the group find common ground. Click to reveal example answers
Example answers There are no right answers but some examples are:
● Possible Order: Mana Whenua → Council → Farmer ● Reasoning: “Starting with Mana Whenua shows respect for Te Mana o te Wai. The council and farmer can then share how community and economic needs fit once the river’s health is prioritised.”
Or
● Alternative Order: Council → Farmer → Mana Whenua ● Reasoning: “Hearing community and farming concerns first makes it
clear why the awa is under pressure, then finishing with Mana Whenua shows how Te Mana o te Wai provides a framework to balance these needs.”
Congratulations, you have reached Rangatira status! People and Community Journey Complete! ●
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At Level 1, you stepped into community engagement — learning how to share key water messages and raise awareness. At Level 2, you worked with Zach to understand community voices and how frameworks like Te Mana o te Wai guide decisions. At Level 3, with Tina, you became a cultural connector — recognising how mātauranga Māori and diverse perspectives shape fair, sustainable water management.
You’ve mastered the skills of communication, teamwork, and cultural intelligence. Just like our community leaders, you can now bring people together to protect wai (water) for future generations.
Click on the picture to enter the prize draw for a year’s free CareerWise!
Portal hopping is part of the adventure—where to next? ➔ Nature World is calling ➔ Built World awaits ➔ Solutions World is open ➔ Innovation World is ready
Our Digital Footprint ● Developing this project with AI used about 4 kWh of electricity,
around 1–7 litres of cooling water, and created about 0.4–2 kg of CO₂ (similar to driving a few km in a car).
● How we can give back: ○ Save the same amount of water with one shorter shower or turning the tap off while brushing teeth.
○ Offset the carbon by planting a native tree or biking instead of driving once this week. ○ Remember: even digital tools have an environmental impact — every small action to balance it helps!