Nature Connection Programmes
Whenua Iti Outdoors, in partnership with local iwi and conservation groups, has developed the Kaimahi for Nature Connection (KFNC) Project which seeks to provide nature connection experiences to as many tamariki & rangatahi in schools, iwi and community groups as possible in the Top of the South, within the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance regions.
Funded by Jobs for Nature, the initial project is in its final year, as we shift our focus to further embedding nature connection across all our programmes. Please check this page regularly to see the latest initiatives, programmes, news & resources.
Latest Project News
Unexpected Powelliphanta Find Post Flooding
A highlight for students on the Environmental Sustainability Trades Programme, was to discover a healthy Powelliphanta snail in a flood-damaged part of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River Catchment, where it was thought they wouldn’t have survived.
Kaimahi for Nature Connection Programmes for Te Tai Poutini
We've enjoyed the chance to collaborate with the Department of Conservation, Enviroschools and local experts to run programmes in Te Tai Poutini to connect tamariki to local sites of significance through science, exploration and play.
Free Resources to Support Nature Connection Learning
We have created a series of teacher guides to help the delivery of our nature connection activities in a classroom setting. These guides are free to access and are packed with additional resources, links, appropriate karakia and suggested extensions.
What is Nature Connection?
Nature connection is about feeling part of nature. Being in nature regularly and intentionally allows children to experience the interconnectedness of the world around them, explore it and learn from it. In matauranga Māori, the natural world is an interconnected whānau (whanaungatanga). The weather, birds, fish and trees, sun and moon are related to each other, and to tangata whenua. This "web of life" where humans live within earth's natural ecosystem is also the underpinning of scientific fields like ecology.
Why is Nature Connection Important?
Being connected to nature has reciprocal benefits. Frequent, positive childhood experiences with nature has a major impact on the healthy growth of a child’s mind, body and spirit. It can stimulate creativity, improve focus, and build confidence. This connection can also build the underpinning of a caring approach or a sense of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the natural world in later life.
How does WIO help young people connect with nature?
WIO has developed programmes that connect students with nature and nurture their sense of kaitiakitanga. Programmes at primary & secondary level incorporate learning about the world around us, while immersed the outdoors. Younger participants develop a connection with nature through fun, exploration, and guided discovery. Secondary students build on this relationship to learn about more complex ecosystem relationships, biodiversity management and environmental principles.
The Aims of the Project
The goals of the Kaimahi for Nature Connection project are to:
- Enhance the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi
- Increase tamariki and rangatahi's knowledge of the natural world and their connection to it
- Increase the connection between schools and conservation groups and local natural areas
- Improve long term environmental and biodiversity outcomes.
Our Partners & Funders
Find out more about this programme of funding on the Ministry of Environment website.
Read more about the mahi Ngāti Koata do for the environment on their website
Read the latest e-Pānui from the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance.
Nature Connection Programmes
Aotearoa Orientation
Experience and learn about Aotearoa, New Zealand through this unique, immersive cultural orientation program designed to provide students with an authentic insight into Te Ao Māori and the connection between…
- Cultural
- Nature Connection
Beach Skills Day
Take your students to our local beach for a practical and fun outdoors experience to build their beach safety knowledge, skills and safe practices when heading to the beach. Programme…
- Environment
- Nature Connection
- Health & Wellbeing
Environmental Sustainability (Level 3)
If you enjoy being outside, being active and learning in a hands-on, practical way, then come and join our efforts to protect New Zealand’s unique biodiversity! This new programme for…
- Environment
- Trades
Māwhera Adventurers
The Māwhera Adventurers programme is designed for young adventurers and involves 2 days of action, nature immersion and outdoor exploration for tamariki from the Greymouth Region. Whilst exploring, Māwhera adventurers…
- Adventure
- Environment
- Nature Connection
Kawatiri Adventurers
Tamariki will have the chance to explore the outdoors with experienced instructors from Whenua Iti Outdoors, to build confidence and connect to nature while having fun at different wilderness locations….
- Adventure
- Environment
- Nature Connection
Rā Ora Programme (Wellbeing Day)
The Rā Ora (Wellbeing Day) Programme has been created to provide tamariki a fun day of active recreation and outside play, encouraging positive health & wellbeing. Programme Overview Tamariki will…
- Environment
- Nature Connection
- Health & Wellbeing
- Cultural
Tamariki Tiaki
Designed to build more meaningful connections to our local environment, the Tamariki Tiaki Programme will extend students’ experiences of the natural world through exploration, discovery, restoration and cultural understanding. Programme…
- Environment
- Nature Connection
- Health & Wellbeing
Kaitiaki Leadership (L3)
Connect to nature while developing your outdoor adventure skills in our local national parks, learning about conservation & biodiversity management to protect these taonga. Participants have the opportunity of completing…
- Adventure
- Nature Connection
- Environment
Kaitiaki Kids
The Kaitiaki Kids holiday programme is designed as a stepping stone for intermediate-aged adventurers towards our fully residential (overnight) journey programmes. Kaitiaki Kids will explore the natural world around them…
- Adventure
- Environment
- Nature Connection
MEA – Mini Environmental Adventure
Designed for younger adventurers, the Mini Environmental Adventure Programme will extend student’s experiences of the natural world through exploration, play, asking questions and discussions. Programme Overview Students will go on…
- Environment
- Nature Connection
Go Wild (in Nature!)
The Go Wild programme is designed for our younger adventurers and involves 5 days of action, nature immersion and outdoor exploration. Whilst exploring, Go Wild adventurers will go on a…
- Adventure
- Environment
- Nature Connection
Want to find out more about a programme or have a question for us? Talk to one of our friendly team - we're happy to help.