what can you be a part of?
About our programmes
Our programmes are 5-10 day long, place-based, overnight experiences. You’ll learn to harness your passion and interests, and discover how your unique self can contribute to creating positive change in the world.
Our experiences are all about providing you with opportunities to learn something new, hear perspectives that may be new to you, and strengthen your confidence in your capabilities as a leader.
Our current foundation programmes focus on the fashion sector, water and bio-diversity. A holistic understanding of the relationship between our actions and their impact is fostered within the context of western science and mātauranga Māori.
Through diverse presentations, hands-on activities and mentorship from our facilitators, iwi partners, guest community educators and strategic players who work or play in the programme’s geographical environment,
you will…
Develop your ability to work collaboratively, think critically, and tackle issues through creative problem solving.
Understand and appreciate ‘ki uta ki tai’ and the interdependence of natural systems in our programme regions, through exploring the species and habitats that define them.
Learn to define the socio-political and historical contexts that shape current mana whenua aspirations and challenges.
Explore the ecological, social, economic and cultural health of these environments.
Actively participate in initiatives, such as fieldwork, kōrero, mahinga kai, or restoration projects, to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Identify key leadership skills and capabilities necessary for effective change-making, and reflect on your personal strengths.
Explore what influences people’s relationship with place (in particular the natural world) and discover how it impacts their actions.
“I think it is a strength of the programme that we were never told something and expected to believe it. Instead we discussed, debated, and deliberated everything before coming to our own well-reasoned conclusions. The confidence that this has given me has encouraged me to speak out about issues that matter to me and has given me the determination to make a difference to the sustainability of our planet”. - George Watson, Darfield High School
Three field programmes, three locations, countless opportunities!
region: canterbury
2025 DATES
16th - 21st March
22nd - 28th September
2026 DATES
To be announced
region: Marlborough sounds
2025 DATES
1st - 8th December
2026 DATES
To be announced
region: otago
2025 DATES
9th - 13th February
2026 DATES
15th - 19th February
other things to know
Tuākana/Tēina
Our programmes are aimed at 18-25 year olds, students in their final years at high school or who are pursuing study at a tertiary institution. The year 12/13 'tēina' are supported over the programme by the tertiary 'tuākana'. Tertiary students are given an opportunity to support the facilitators, at times taking the lead in team (whānau) building through ice-breakers and energisers.
Kai
All meals are provided on the programme. You’ll be asked to bring some home baking to share and your lunch for the first day.
The Application Process
1.
Head to the ‘Current Programmes’ page on our website and select the programme that interests you
2.
If applications are open, click the ‘Apply’ button and complete an application form, if they are yet to open, select ‘Register Your Interest’
3.
We will be in touch with you shortly to discuss your application!
have you been on one of our field programmes, and ready to take the next step?
So you’ve completed one of our three field programmes and now you’re thinking, 'what next?' Since early 2019 we have been delivering Advanced Leadership Programmes (ALP), giving our programme alumni from across the motu an opportunity to further develop their leadership skills. ALPs provide an opportunity for graduates to hone in more on their own personal behaviour change and consequent action to positively impact the community. The kaupapa of the ALPs is that they are rangatahi-led and responsive to the current needs of our alumni.
