Toitū Tōtaranui Programme
Launching in 2026, and building on the success of our pioneer programme (Ōruawairua / Blumine Island), Toitū Tōtaranui empowers rangatahi to take action for biodiversity, explore what thriving ecosystems on the mainland look like, and develop leadership, teamwork, and changemaker skills.
About the programme
Toitū Tōtaranui is the newest step in our journey, building on the foundations of our pioneer programme Ōruawairua. Designed especially for 2026, it offers rangatahi a fresh opportunity to explore how to protect and restore biodiversity across the mainland.
Over the course of seven days, you’ll engage with early-stage conservation efforts, hands-on fieldwork, and bold new ideas for ecosystem restoration, including concepts and aspects from te Ao Māori that connect people, whenua, and biodiversity. You’ll learn by doing, working as a team to plan, adapt, and take meaningful action. The programme strengthens leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration skills while building a deep understanding of ecological, cultural, and socio-political influences on biodiversity in Aotearoa.
When & Where
When: Launching January 19th - 25th 2026
Where: Based in Marlborough with final locations to be confirmed
Who
We welcome all Rangatahi aged 16 - 25years on our programmes
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of Toitū Tōtaranui, participants will:
Develop action competency for sustainability leadership – strengthen critical thinking, creative problem solving, and collaboration.
Build connection to identity, whenua, and te ao Māori – explore ecological, cultural, social, and political influences on biodiversity.
Apply systems thinking through ki uta, ki tai – understand the interconnection of ecosystems, people, and practices from the mountains to the sea.
Engage in hands-on conservation practices – contribute directly to biodiversity restoration and sustainability through fieldwork and kōrero with mana whenua
Outputs & Legacy Work
Community Project Contribution: Each group will design and launch a conservation project for future participants to build on, leaving a lasting impact on Marlborough’s biodiversity.
Individual Storytelling & Challenge: Every participant will reflect and share their journey — through video, poem, speech, visual art, or other creative expression — posing a challenge for others to continue the mahi.
What You Gain
Leadership & agency: Confidence to take action for biodiversity and your community.
Cultural and ecological understanding: Learn how te ao Māori, ecosystems, and people interconnect.
Practical conservation experience: Real-world biodiversity restoration work.
A voice that carries forward: Your stories and projects contribute to a collective legacy.
Programme Costs & Accessibility
We are committed to making our programmes accessible to rangatahi from all walks of life.
To help us grow our reach and continue offering high-impact experiences to rangitahi throughout Aotearoa, we now offer two pathways to participate:
Cora Wilding Scholarship Positions (Fully Funded)
These positions cover the full cost of the programme, thanks to the generous support of our funders and partners.
Scholarship recipients are asked to offer a reciprocal contribution (such as a social media engagement, reflection, creative piece, or community action) to honour the investment made in them.
Fee-Based Positions (Partially Funded)
These positions are partially subsidised, with participants or their supporters (e.g. whānau, school, workplace, or community group) covering the remaining cost of $800 per participant.
This option supports us in extending opportunities to even more young people while keeping our kaupapa sustainable.
We encourage you to apply for the option that best reflects your situation. If you are able to pay or raise your own funds, we appreciate your contribution. If you require full support, please apply for a scholarship — we’re here to support you.
the application process
If you want to be considered for this opportunity complete the application form below.
You will be asked to provide some general personal information, a bit about who you are and what has driven you to apply for the position.
If you would rather submit your application in an audio / visual format please download & follow the instructions on the 'Video / Audio' link below.
Once applications close 6 weeks later, you will be notified whether or not you have been successful and required to complete a full registration.