On the 30th of March, I had the awesome opportunity to attend the Manawa Ora Outward Bound course, an experience made possible through being part of the Environmental Council. The course focused on learning through challenging nature-based experiences while developing a deeper understanding of our connection to te taiao, the natural world.
Every day brought a new adventure, from hiking through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, learning to work as a team to sail, sleeping under the stars on the sailboat, partaking in a Burma trail, examining wild plants and animals, and even swimming in bioluminescent waters. Many of these experiences were completely new to me, which made it especially challenging but all the more impactful. We also had the opportunity to visit a huge nīkau tree and learn about its cultural and environmental significance.
What made Manawa Ora differ from other Outward Bound courses was its focus on climate change. Alongside the outdoor challenges, our instructors encouraged us to think about how young people can make a positive impact on climate and environmental issues in their own communities, and we did some activities surrounding this.
I’m incredibly grateful to the Environmental Council and Mrs Randhir for organising this initiative and the generous donors who funded this opportunity. Outward Bound has encouraged me to push past my comfort zone, to live in the present, build resilience and discipline, and learn more about myself and who I am as a leader.
If you love the outdoors, care about the environment, and want to learn how you can make a difference in your community, I would recommend applying for this opportunity in the future.
Gabriella Frantz – Year 13
As part of an initiative organised by the Environmental Council, we had the opportunity to take part in a range of hands-on sustainability experiences that deepened our understanding of our environment and community.
Throughout the programme, we participated in activities such as waka ama, farming, visiting a recycling centre to learn more about how our society manages waste, and spending time at a donation centre. We also contributed to a beach clean-up and visited a marae, where we gained insight into the importance of kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment) from a cultural perspective.
These experiences allowed us to see the impact of our everyday actions and inspired us to think more critically about how we can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Kayla Omichi Kudlack – Year 13
