This article describes the development of an innovative Year 9 cross-curricula "Festival of Learning" known as Hui Taurima, which resulted in the awarding of a Teacher Led Innovation Fund (TLIF) project grant. The focus is on the elements of a place-responsive approach and the teachers' perspectives of their journey to situate place and culture at the heart of their teaching and learning strategy. The article discusses the benefits and achievements to be gained by engaging with places of significance for students and the communities from which they come.