Science and agricultural students have stepped into a new world of learning thanks to Mātiki Minecraft, a resource that presents industry relevant challenges on one of the country’s most historically significant farms within the virtual world of Minecraft.

Going down on the farm has taken on a whole new meaning with Mātiki Minecraft, a game developed by a team of agricultural and horticultural science advisory teachers. It complements new study units they created for New Zealand Year 7-10 students’ science and agricultural curriculum.

Created by Sow the Seed, HATA (Horticultural and Agricultural Teachers Association) and Agribusiness in Schools, along with Anthony Breese from Museograph, 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 advisor 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.”

Attention to detail

Mātiki Minecraft designer Anthony Breese is a former primary school teacher and 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.

The attention to detail in the graphics makes this more than just an educational too. 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 the creator’s knowledge, is the first time anyone has recreated kiwifruit vines using Minecraft’s blocky, pixelated aesthetic.

Future careers

Included with the project is a website for teachers to access the world, and multi-level cross-curricular unit plans to support teachers with their classroom programmes. Content has been linked to key industries, such as beef, dairy, forestry, pipfruit, as well as careers that occur in each of those areas, with an aim to promote conversation with New Zealand’s young people about possible future careers in the primary sector.

The programme can be broken down into six areas: Innovation, Science, History, Knowledge, Creativity, and Challenges. The game can be used with the new Junior units that have been designed or can be used stand alone. There are a series of challenges or scenarios where students can innovate and create their own farming solutions to showcase inside their Minecraft world, like creating virtual fencing and drone use.

Early testing

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

For more information go to sowtheseed.org.nz

This site gives information on how to download Minecraft Education, including Mātiki Minecraft and a direct link to the Junior Teaching Units. These have also been placed on both the HATA and the Agribusiness in Schools websites.

INTERFACE June 2025