Environmental Leadership Programmes
Together we want to inspire tamariki and rangatahi to become the next generation of kaitiaki! And so we've created some epic programmes, camps and wilderness journeys to do just that. Join us and connect with God's beautiful creation and be part of the mission.
Would you or someone you know love to engage with our environmental education focused programmes?
Are you in youth ministry and keen to learn more about creation care and how you can lead others in this space?
Read on to find out more!
He Māhuri Tōtara Programme
He Māhuri Tōtara is A Rocha’s core Christian environmental leadership development programme that we offer to Eco Churches. We currently offer two course streams - one for high-school age youth, and the other for anyone involved in youth ministry e.g. youth leaders and youth pastors. The programme explores the unique environmental challenges and opportunities of our world and the biblical imperative to care for creation in the unique context of Aotearoa.
Partnership Programmes
A Rocha partners with other organisations to offer a variety of environmental leadership development programmes each year for children, youth as well as young adults. Check them out below:
E3 Wilderness Expedition: Years 12-13 (Dec school holidays)
Travelling as a small community through remote wilderness areas of Aotearoa New Zealand, each expedition is focused on developing the character of participants and strengthening their connections with God, others, and creation.
Each journey looks different:
In Canterbury, tramp through the Lewis Pass high country and undertake a multi-day rafting expedition down the Waiau Toa/Clarence River.
In Otago, scale alpine passes in Aspiring National Park and sea-kayak across Lake Wanaka.
In Central North Island, the journey travels through Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks from the mountains to the Tasman Sea.
At the Bay of Islands, we embrace the history of Aotearoa by beginning at Waitangi, journeying around the Bay of Islands, and ending at Whananaki.
E3 is a partnership between Scripture Union NZ, Adventure Specialties Trust and A Rocha Aotearoa NZ.
E3 Young Adults: Ages 19-25 (Feb)
At Nelson Lakes National Park in Feb 2025. Anchored by days of tramping/hiking along with paddling on the amazing Lake Rotoiti and mountain biking on nearby trails. The scenery will only enhance the conversations around faith and its intersections with life.
SUSTAIN Camp: Years 7-10 (Sept/Oct school holidays)
Enjoy a week of delighting in creation - from the mountains to the sea. We’ll be exploring the local area and hearing about how to contribute sustainably to the world around us, as well as how to sustain our relationship with God. Imagine a day in the bush, a day in the ocean, and a day on a picturesque farm… how could you go wrong? Organised by Scripture Union in partnership with A Rocha’s Karioi Project.