Information for School Principals
Partnering with Schools to Grow Confident, Capable Young People.
Explore how Te Ata Wharekawa supports your students’ development — with no extra staffing costs, full health and safety oversight, and an emerging leadership experience that complements your curriculum.
A Turnkey Solution with No Staffing Commitment Required
We understand the pressure on staffing and resources. That’s why Te Ata Wharekawa offers a fully staffed, fully managed residential program, with no requirement for school staff to attend.
Behind the scenes, we’ve developed a planned, holistic experiential curriculum — one that’s rooted in place, designed to build leadership, resilience, and wellbeing through immersive, real-world learning.
What sets us apart is our collaborative approach:
We work alongside schools, and can adapt aspects of the program to align with your desired outcomes — whether that’s developing leadership in Year 10, lifting student engagement, or supporting identity and confidence before NCEA.
It’s a seamless extension of your curriculum, without the pressure on your team.
How We’re Different – A Deeper Approach to Growth
We value the incredible work of adventure providers like Hillary Outdoors and Outward Bound — both leaders in outdoor education and challenge-based experiences.
Where Te Ata Wharekawa differs is in our holistic, 24/7 approach. Our staff walk alongside students throughout the day and evening, supporting not just physical challenge but emotional, relational, and personal growth.
We combine an outdoor pursuits program with a structured life skills curriculum grounded in identity, emotional intelligence, resilience, and relationships.
Transparent Investment: Understanding the Program Cost
Our comprehensive four-week residential program is priced at $5,995 NZD (inclusive of GST), equating to approximately $214 per student per day. This fee encompasses:
Accommodation: Comfortable and safe lodging for the duration of the program.
Nutritious Meals: All meals provided, catering to dietary requirements.
Campus and OP Activities: A blend of outdoor pursuits and life skills workshops.
Qualified Staffing: Experienced educators and mentors ensuring a 1:8 staff-to-student ratio.
Equipment & Resources: All necessary materials and equipment for all activities and learning sessions.
Pastoral Care: Continuous support focusing on student well-being and personal growth.
Transport to all offsite activities
Funding with Purpose: The Investment Behind the Impact
Every school faces tough budget decisions — but some investments deliver far more than a line item ever could. This video explains how Whangamatā Area School funded the launch and ongoing delivery of Tōku Ara - a 28 day immersive residential program designed for their year 10 students. With $1,500 currently paid by each student, the remaining costs are subsidised by the school and supportive stakeholders who believe in the long-term benefits of the program. This model ensures every student can participate, regardless of financial background — and every dollar spent is a vote for equity, leadership, and personal growth.
Empowering Year 10 Students: A Strategic Investment in Their Future
Year 10 is often perceived as a transitional phase—students are no longer new to secondary school but haven't yet embarked on NCEA. Research indicates that during this period, adolescents begin to shift their focus from parental guidance to peer influence, seeking greater independence and forming their personal identities.
This stage presents both challenges and opportunities. Without purposeful engagement, students may feel disconnected, leading to decreased motivation and academic performance. However, with the right support, Year 10 can be a pivotal year for personal growth and preparation for the rigors of NCEA.
Te Ata Wharekawa offers a solution:
Holistic Development: Our program integrates outdoor pursuits with life skills education, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.
Peer Collaboration: Structured group activities promote positive peer interactions, enhancing social skills and reducing the likelihood of negative peer pressure.
Academic Readiness: By cultivating self-discipline and goal-setting abilities, students return better prepared to tackle NCEA challenges.
Investing in your Year 10 students through Te Ata Wharekawa not only addresses the unique needs of this developmental stage but also lays a strong foundation for their academic and personal success.
Health, Safety, and Behaviour — You’re in Trusted Hands
The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority.
We operate under robust health and safety systems that reflect industry best practice for residential and outdoor learning environments.
We provide:
RAMS and activity-specific safety plans
24/7 First Aid coverage
Emergency response procedures
Full communication protocols with schools
Pre-arrival risk briefings and clear expectations for students
A proven behaviour management plan that promotes respect, accountability, and support
Ongoing, transparent communication with schools throughout the program
Who’s Teaching and Guiding Your Students?
Our team is experienced, qualified, and deeply committed to supporting rangatahi. We maintain a 1:8 staff-to-student ratio, ensuring every student receives meaningful, personalised care and guidance throughout the four-week experience.
Our Staffing Credentials:
All contracted outdoor staff hold NZOIA qualifications or are experienced outdoor education teachers
Our Poutama mentors are either registered teachers or have significant experience working in residential youth programs
All staff are police vetted and hold current First Aid certification
Students are placed in small whānau groups and receive consistent, wraparound pastoral support from a dedicated mentor
Leadership You Can Trust:
Te Ata Wharekawa is led by Gina Kennings, Director and program founder — a registered teacher with over 25 years of experience across primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Gina has held leadership roles in schools and has designed Adventure learning curriculum, and designed and delivered residential immersive outdoor youth programs.
With her educational background and deep understanding of adolescent development, the program is not only safe and engaging — it’s purposeful, responsive, and grounded in best practice.
Our Place: A Campus with Heart, History, and Access
Te Ata Wharekawa is proud to operate from our own dedicated campus — a place built for connection, reflection, and growth. We're not a hired venue. This is our home.
Located in Ōpoutere, on the stunning eastern Coromandel Peninsula, the campus centres around the 119-year-old Wharekawa Native Schoolhouse, a building of cultural and historical significance that remains a living part of our daily program. Students learn in its shelter, reflect in its quiet, and gain a sense of belonging. Though peaceful and surrounded by native bush and coastline, we’re far from remote.
Location at a Glance:
Within the golden triangle — just:
2 hrs from Auckland
1.5 hrs from Hamilton and Tauranga
15 mins to Whangamatā (closest township and medical centre)
40 mins to Thames
Natural learning environment includes:
World-class surf at Whangamatā and Ōpoutere
Nearby mountain biking tracks (Whangamatā Ridges + others)
Tramping and bush walks through diverse native forest
Access to estuaries, rivers, harbours, and stunning coastline
It’s a place where students can disconnect from the noise — but still remain within safe, accessible reach of support services when needed.
Safe. Stunning. And designed for deep learning.
Empowering Futures: The Role of Community in Immersive Learning
Understand how community engagement is pivotal in residential immersive programs like Tōku Ara, fostering environments where students thrive through collective support and shared goals. Alistair Luke outlines how Whangamata Area School approached community engagement when committing to the Tōku Ara program.
