FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES

developING young leaders FOR sustainabILITY

Through live-in programmes participants are grown as leaders and provided with experiences and practical projects which build their understanding of sustainability and empower them to become change makers.

Through courses ranging from 5-10 days long, students are mentored by our facilitators, iwi partners, guest community educators and strategic players who work or play in the programme’s geographical environment. Through diverse presentations and activities we aim to develop our participants ability to work collaboratively, think critically, and tackle issues with creative problem solving.

“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

Fashion Reimagined - Otago, Feb 2025

Ōruawairua | Blumine Island - Marlborough Sounds Dec 2025

Whakaraupō Moana - Christchurch, March & Sept 2025

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.

Each programme focuses on tackling important issues facing our future at the most grassroots level, each is custom designed for the regions in which they operate

Tuākana/Tēina Whānau Model

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.

Advanced Leadership Programmes

The question is often asked by students and stakeholders 'what next?' Since early 2019 we have been delivering Advanced Leadership Programmes (ALP), giving foundation 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 their community. The kaupapa of the ALPs is that they are rangatahi-led and responsive to the current needs of our alumni.