Connecting people with nature
Connecting people with nature
Meaningful reconnection with te taiao that inspires care and action.
A Rocha creates opportunities for people to reconnect with te taiao in ways that inspire care for the natural world and action to protect it. Central to this is nurturing tamariki and rangatahi as the next generation of kaitiaki in Aotearoa.
Te Whakaoranga O Karioi | Karioi Project
Environmental education is a key element of the Karioi Project, creating a connection with nature, and an appreciation and understanding of ecology and the environment to encourage kaitiakitanga and behavioural change. We have created place-based, outdoor learning experiences and environmental education programmes for tamariki, our community and schools. The Karioi Project offers the following environmental education programmes:
- Karioi Kids afterschool environmental programme for 7-8 year olds.
- Karioi Ranger afterschool environmental programme for 9-12 year olds.
- Karioi Environmental Holiday Programme for 6-12 year olds.
- Manaaki Ao (Earthcare) in-school programme in partnership with Raglan Area School (Years 1-13).
- Karioi Hauora mentoring and outdoors programme for rangatahi (especially at-risk youth).
- Karioi Te Ara Mahi programme - hands-on conservation experience, mentoring and vocational pathways for youth.
- "Living Classroom" workshops and field days for local rural schools and schools from the region.
Please visit the Karioi Project website for more details of these environmental education programmes.
Eco Church Project
A key element of the Eco Church project is education and engagement around the theological imperative to care for creation. Our focus has been on developing a new generation of kaitiaki through nature-based and ecology focused camps for tamariki and rangatahi and the training and equipping of environmental leaders within a church community. We offer the following education and engagement programmes:
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He Māhuri Tōtara for Youth & Young Adults
An environmental leadership development course for youth and young adults – offered in partnership with Wilberforce Foundation.
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E3 Wilderness Expeditions
11-day wilderness expeditions for rangatahi (17-18 years) at four amazing locations in Aotearoa (Canterbury, Otago, Ruapehu, Bay of Islands) in December each year focused on developing character and strengthening their connections with God, others and creation – offered in partnership with Scripture Union NZ and Adventure Specialities Trust.
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E3 Wilderness Expedition for Young Adults
7-day expedition by sea kayak, foot, and bike to explore a very important part of Aotearoa New Zealand. By sea kayak we will paddle to out of the way bays & islands with stunning flora & fauna. Then through mountain biking & hiking we will explore the famed Queen Charlotte Track, which encompasses where Captain Cook first made land in Aotearoa and begun our bicultural journey. All this while living in community together and embracing questions of our faith and its intersections with life. Offered in partnership with Scripture Union NZ and Adventure Specialities Trust.
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Sustain Camp
A week-long programme in October exploring Whāingaroa Raglan and learning how to contribute sustainably to the world around us, and how to sustain our relationship with God – offered in partnership with Scripture Union NZ.
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Eco Church Kōrero
Whether you're part of the Eco Church team in your church, or just interested to learn what Eco Church is about, the Eco Church Kōrero is for you! This once a term online gathering is open to everyone, but especially all Eco Church kaihāpai from churches around the country. We often focus on topics relevant to the Eco Church kaupapa and feature special guests. It's also a space for connection, sharing, encouragement and collaboration. We'll listen and share and learn together about the joys and challenges of being on the eco church journey. Connecting and sharing with others on the journey is a great way to keep Eco Church momentum and enthusiasm up, so come join us!
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Eco Church Partners Kōrero
Online kōrero sessions for Eco Church people representing different networks - denominational bodies, faith-based organisations, and aligned organisations - groups that want to explore partnership and collaboration with Eco Church, representatives that are wanting to engage their own networks in the care of creation kaupapa.
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Eco Church Conservation Kōrero
This stream would have a distinctive conservation kaupapa that connects with the core of what A Rocha is about so that we can provide more support to eco churches in the conservation space. It would be suitable for local group leaders, conservation leaders, churches wanting to start or lead conservation projects.
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Rich Living booklets
Small group booklets to assist faith communities to reflect upon how they live and offers practical steps to make sustainability integral to lives of faith.
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Creation Connection for Children
A experiential and contemplative approach to help children connect to God, each other and the natural world.
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Eco Church Speakers
Connect with us to request speakers to help inspire church communities on their eco church journey.
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One-off education and engagement events
Other education and engagement events / workshops in partnership with Christian and church organisations - these are advertised on our Facebook events page.
Local Groups
All A Rocha local groups are encouraged to develop environmental education initiatives for local churches and communities – particularly initiatives that involved direction experiences and participation in God’s creation. Some of educational initiatives organised by local groups include:
- Presentation and/or fieldtrip by expert on local natural history.
- Participation in citizen science projects.
- Workshops / seminars for the local community.
- Guided birding trips / bush walks for church communities and the local community.
- In the field participation in biodiversity restoration work.
- Providing local biodiversity advisors for eco church communities.
NGĀ AROTAHINGA | Our Focus Areas
Empowered communities taking action for sustainability and resilience.