WHAT IS WHENUA ITI AND WAHT DOES IT DO?
Whenua Iti Outdoors deliver experiential learning programmes that focus on personal and social development in the outdoors to achieve positive change in individuals and communities. The dream for Whenua Itii started in 1985 when Hazel Nash (the founder) bought land in the Moutere valley to provide outdoor education experiences for young people. Since then the vision has grown to over 30 programmes and over 10,000 participant days in 2018
WHENUA ITI’S BUSINESS MODEL
Young people participate in single or multi-day Whenua Iti programmes that include activities like kayaking, abseiling and tramping. Through this, young people get to experience personal growth through challenging situations by reflecting on themselves, their leadership and their relationship with others. There is a strong focus on mental health and connection to the land. These experiences can be recognised in the traditional school system through NCEA credits.
WHENUA ITI’S IMPACT
Whenua Iti also run programmes that contribute directly to employability for young people. Their programmes focus on providing both essential skills and personal growth which lay pathways into Civil Defense, Uniformed Services and Adventure Tourism.
EVIDENCE OF IMPACT
Whenua Iti work with young people who traditional mainstream education doesn’t work for. The traditional education system fails to meet the needs of all students so alternative approaches are valuable. The rate of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET rates) has remained mostly static for the last decade. Solutions like Whenua Iti provide an alternative path to employment for these individuals. Whenua Iti believes that education is now less focused on holistic development of young people which is something they seek to integrate into their approach.