New Zealand science and agricultural students are about to step into history - and the future - through the power of a globally popular computer game.

A new resource, Mātiki Minecraft, has been introduced to the science and agricultural curriculum. It presents industry relevant challenges on one of Aotearoa’s most significant farms within the virtual world of Minecraft.

The information and challenges in the game were developed by a team of agricultural and horticultural science advisory teachers. It complements new study units they created for the New Zealand Year 7-10 science and agricultural curriculum.

The aim was to create a Minecraft universe for primary and secondary students to discover and learn about agriculture and horticultural science in New Zealand, says Sow the Seed subject adviser Suzy Newman.

“Students learn about early farming practices and can then modernise the online property into a sustainable working farm complete with modern infrastructure, practices, and systems.”

There is also information and links related to careers in the primary industries.

Online farm world

Mātiki Minecraft designer Anthony Breese from Museograph, is a former primary school teacher turned educational technical specialist. He was tasked with building the online farm world and set the educational game at real life farm, Totara Estate in Oamaru.

The choice of farm is significant as it is a heritage property that played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s farming history. In 1882, lamb meat from Totara Estate formed part of the first shipment of frozen meat exported from New Zealand - an event that laid the foundation for the country’s now multibillion-dollar meat industry.

Real life New Zealand heritage farm Totara Estate has been recreated meticulously as a Minecraft world for educational game Mātiki Minecraft. The game gives Year 7-10 students a new way to learn about agriculture and horticultural science. It was developed by an advisory team of teachers and is now available as a school curriculum resource. Photo / Supplied

To create acres of online farmland, topography data is put through topographic, graphic and world-building software before being converted into Blocks and imported into Minecraft.

Anthony says each Minecraft block is about a metre in real life. He has created other virtual New Zealand worlds such as Tiwai Point at Bluff Harbour and historic buildings in Dunedin. As a self-confessed townie, he admits researching and recreating the section on artificial insemination was “an education in itself!”

Immersive experience

Mātiki Minecraft showcases beef, sheep, kiwifruit, arable farming, dairy, pipfruit, and forestry. The attention to detail in the graphics makes this more than just an educational tool.

The historic men’s quarters, cookhouse, and topography of Totara Estate have been faithfully recreated. The characters are dressed in black singlets and shorts similar to a popular New Zealand hard-wearing brand. Additionally, there’s a kiwifruit block, which to their knowledge, is the first time anyone has recreated kiwifruit vines using Minecraft’s blocky, pixelated aesthetic.

Napier Boys’ High School agricultural teacher Rex Newman discusses calf rearing with Year 13 students Riley Mullaney and George Rickey during testing of the newest agricultural and science curriculum resource, Mātiki Minecraft. Photo / Supplied

Napier Boys’ High School agricultural students have been testing early versions of the game.

Suzy says Minecraft: Education Edition offers a structured and controlled environment for learning. Unlike commercial versions of the game, the educational edition removes in-game purchases and unrestricted exploration while allowing teachers to guide and monitor student engagement.

“Gaming and education can go hand in hand, inspiring students to explore New Zealand’s rich farming history while preparing them for its future.”

Mātiki Minecraft was launched on March 26, and will be shared with teachers at the Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association conference in Methven, April 2025.

It will also be showcased at Fieldays on June 11-14.