Connecting young people to the outdoors and inspiring the next generation of ‘outsiders’.
As we reflect on the past year, we are proud to celebrate our impact. We co-design outdoor activities that integrate curricula and enable young people to connect with the land, explore local stories and important places. Our commitment to equitable access to outdoor education experiences that foster resilience, leadership and a profound connection to nature in our youth has never been stronger, or more important.
The governance of POET is the bedrock of our stability and growth.
Our board of directors plays a pivotal role in steering our mission and ensuring the ongoing prosperity of our programmes. We appreciate their leadership whilst also acknowledging changes within our board.
We want to express our sincere appreciation to two of our longstanding trustees; Craig Blackmore and Mike Brown who have recently stepped down after years of service.
Their insight, dedication and enthusiasm for the outdoors have profoundly influenced the Trust’s trajectory and achievements. Craig and Mike have also been steadfast allies through various milestones and hurdles, consistently advocating for inclusive outdoor education for all young people. Their contributions have made an enduring impact on the Trust, and they will be sorely missed.
It’s important to acknowledge the incredible work of teachers who lead our teacher-facilitated outdoor education programmes.
Their dedication and passion are invaluable in turning learning inside out.
We believe that the success and impact of our camps are best measured through the voices of those who experience them firsthand.
The feedback we receive from teachers and students who participate in our camps is invaluable; their experiences and reflections help us continuously improve and adapt our offerings to better meet the needs of our rangatahi.
Using the insights from our team informs and enriches our mahi.
We’ve made sure that we kept some space in this report to share some good stuff from Brian and Pete. They’re our kaiako who are out there making it happen. They’ve always got great insights and stories that we love to hear.
All we can do is encourage and support schools to make camps phone free but it’s a tough spot for schools to navigate through.
Students who have never known life before screens and parents who have never known what it’s like not to have their children on speed dial 24/7 can feel anxious when they are unplugged.
As stewards of our supporters’ contributions, we believe in transparency and accountability.
We’re excited to share how their generosity has empowered our programmes and initiatives throughout the year. Join us as we explore the financial landscape that underpins our journey towards positive impact and sustainable growth.
11%
POET Administration
38%
Direct to Schools
35%
Programme Coordination
16%
Programme Management
We’re dedicated to the transformative power of outdoor learning on mental health and wellbeing.
Increasingly the convergence of anecdotal feedback and scientific research provides compelling evidence for the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors, further underscoring the importance of integrating nature into our daily lives for improved wellbeing.
At POET, we prioritise what matters most.
Each year, our staff and board members attend senior school prize-givings (mostly in the evenings) across the region. That’s a lot of assemblies and national anthems but it’s all about showing respect to the dedication and hard work of both teachers and students and celebrating the achievements of our POET award winners in person.
Each year, our fundraiser the NZ Mountain Film Festival brings together outdoor enthusiasts, film lovers and POET supporters.
The film festival features inspiring short films about adventure, nature, and the human spirit. But it’s more than just a cinematic experience; it’s a community event where people come together to support our mission.
The success of our organisation is a testament to the support and generosity of our financial supporters.
We are deeply grateful to individual donors, our loyal sponsors, community trusts, and gaming trusts that have partnered with us. Your contributions have been instrumental in helping us achieve our mission and impact the communities we serve. Our achievements this year would not have been possible without your commitment and trust. Through your donations, sponsorships, and grants, you have provided the financial stability needed to pursue innovative projects, expand our reach, and enhance our programmes.
This year, we added a ‘Donate’ button to our website to make it easier for supporters to contribute.
This simple feature lets visitors make quick, secure donations to help us grow and make a bigger impact. We’re including this update in our annual report because we know many of our readers care deeply about our cause. If you’re inspired by what you read, please consider donating; your support is vital to our work!
We are inspired by the strides we’ve made and are motivated to reach even greater heights in the coming year.
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey with POET. If you would like to discuss this report, possibilities for collaboration or sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch – we would love to hear from you!
Turning Learning Inside Out
Connecting young people to the outdoors and inspiring the next generation of ‘outsiders’.
As we reflect on the past year, we are proud to celebrate our impact: Supporting the development of young people through outdoor learning experiences is our mission. Our commitment to fostering resilience, leadership, and a profound connection to nature in youth has never been stronger, or more important.
Our outdoor education programmes are actively dismantling barriers, championing inclusivity, and providing transformative experiences that profoundly impact the lives of young individuals from marginalised communities. We prioritize affordability and safety, ensuring that young people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds can participate. This commitment effectively bridges equity gaps, enabling even those from vulnerable communities to access enriching experiences that foster their well-being and personal growth.
Chairperson’s Report 2024
It has taken a couple of years but isn’t it great to see things return to normal(ish) after the journey we have all had!
After a crazy couple of years of last-minute changes and cancellations, and some understandable hesitancy from schools to mix and engage, this year things seem to have settled.
Camps and events have been able to run as planned, and despite the struggle that schools are having with attendance post Covid, POET camps have been well supported.
Well done to our awesome staff, manager Karen, and co-ordinators Brian and Pete. They have sure been busy this year – over the course of the year POET school students spent a combined 5192 days on camp. Teacher professional development days numbered 978 (including days on camp). Senior students had the opportunity to lead on camp for 315 days.
Throughout the year, we have worked with over 10 primary schools, and that’s on top of our 11 partner secondary schools. They also all managed to fit in several days of professional development.
The feedback we get is that schools really appreciate the vital support they receive from our staff.
With staff in our POET schools being very mobile (over 90% of our schools changed principals over the past two years, plus many other key staff), our work won’t be done anytime soon!
We couldn’t do what we do without the support of so many local groups and businesses, most of who have been supporting us for multiple years. A big shout out to NZ Carbon Farming, Les Harrison Transport Ltd, Kiwi Camping, Lodge Real Estate, RAB, Fairview, The Lion Foundation, Grassroots Trust, WEL Energy Trust, Trust Waikato, Lottery Grants Board and Perry’s. Thanks for believing in us and for your meaningful support.
This year two of our long-standing board members retired, Mike Brown and Craig Blackmore. Both Mike and Craig were on the Board for 12 years, and both contributed hugely over that time – Mike with his knowledge of all things related to Outdoor Education, and Craig in the financial area. They both played a huge role in getting POET to where we are today and setting us up for the future. Both are great guys too – we will miss them! Thank you, Mike, and Craig.
We welcome Dianne Pacey as our newest Board member. Di has worked for many years in the secondary school space in the Waikato, with a particular interest in outdoor education. We are thrilled that she has agreed to share her knowledge and expertise with POET.
And finally thank you to the remaining hard working board members Vicky McLennan, Emma Burke, and David Bradford. Thank you for being so giving of your time, energy, and skills – you all make meetings a pleasure to attend.
We look forward to helping to get even more of our rangatahi into the outdoors in 2024/25.
Marlene Julian
POET Chairperson
A word from Mike Brown
At the end of 2023 I stepped down from my position on the POET Board after 13 years.
My first involvement with the trust was during my time at the University of Waikato (2007-2016). What initially impressed me was the focus on capacity building within schools rather than merely funding programmes that were provided by an external organisation.
Research clearly indicates the value of strong relationships between teachers and learners and POET’s focus on equipping teachers to support quality outdoor experiences aligns with what we know helps foster learning. I was fortunate to conduct research with two POET schools and this formed the basis of some articles and attracted several postgraduate students who have gone on to influence the profession nationally.
From smallish beginnings POET has matured over the years, yet it retains a focus on keep things lean – so that funding goes to where it matters most – helping deliver quality experiences to enhance young people’s relationships with their teachers, peers and the environment.
It has been a pleasure to be involved in the Trust and I wish future generations of staff, board members, teachers, and students well. POET’s work is as needed now as when the Trust was first formed.
Mike Brown
Associate Professor Outdoor Learning AUT
A word from Craig Blackmore
Since I went on my first outdoor education camp when I was at high school I have been a great believer in the value of being in the outdoors.
I believe outdoor education is a valuable experience for all New Zealanders particularly young New Zealanders. The enjoyment and fun the students and teachers have on the POET camps creates life long memories and stories. There are so many success stories of students realising their hidden potential and leadership outside of the classroom.
It has been a privilege to be involved with POET and their great work, thanks for the opportunity.
Craig Blackmore
Educators In Action
It is important to acknowledge the incredible work of teachers who lead our teacher-facilitated outdoor education programmes.
Their dedication and passion are invaluable in turning learning inside out. These teachers go above and beyond, often sleeping in tents, being on duty late at night after very early starts and leaving their own kids at home. All this to ensure other people’s children have safe and unforgettable adventures. This commitment often goes unacknowledged, but without teachers school camps would not happen.
Research consistently highlights the importance of strong teacher-student relationships for the positive development of young people, and our programmes are designed to strengthen these bonds through shared outdoor experiences. By investing in our teachers, we are investing in the future of our students, promoting their growth, resilience, and well-being.
From Screens To Streams
All we can do is encourage and support schools to make camps phone free but it’s a tough spot for schools to navigate through.
Students who have never known life before screens and parents who have never known what it’s like not to have their children on speed dial 24/7 can feel anxious when they are unplugged.
Camp has always been about friendships and independence, but today where technology is king — and meaningful socialisation sometimes takes a back seat — camp is more critical than ever. Outdoor education camps offer a unique opportunity for children and teens to not only have some fun, but to boost their self-confidence so real-life interactions start to replace digital ones. Nature offers amazing chances to explore and learn that you just can’t get from screens. Away from phones and tablets, students can use all their senses, solve problems, and learn to love nature even more.
Celebrating Leadership
At POET, we prioritise what matters most.
Each year, our staff and board members attend senior school prize-givings (mostly in the evenings) across the region. That’s a lot of assemblies and national anthems but it’s all about showing respect to the dedication and hard work of both teachers and students and celebrating the achievements of our POET award winners in person.
The selection criteria for this annual student award encompasses several key attributes that highlight qualities and achievements of senior students engaged in outdoor education. Chosen by their schools, recipients exemplify exemplary leadership skills, particularly during junior camps, where they inspire and guide their peers. Additionally, they demonstrate personal growth, resilience, adaptability, and enthusiastic engagement in new challenges. They also show a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. These criteria collectively celebrate the student’s holistic engagement, leadership, and dedication to outdoor education, making them deserving recipients of this award and prize.
We are grateful to Kiwi Camping for their continued support. Each award winner receives a Kea 3 tent, donated by Kiwi Camping, to accompany the POET trophy.
Our Fundraiser
Each year, our fundraiser the NZ Mountain Film Festival brings together outdoor enthusiasts, film lovers and POET supporters.
The film festival features inspiring short films about adventure, nature, and the human spirit. But it’s more than just a cinematic experience; it’s a community event where people come together to support our mission. Our screening is also an opportunity to acknowledge our family of sponsors.
We used the Hamilton City library’s Auaha Makerspace to turn supporter logos into adhesive stickers which adorned a Kea 4 tent proudly displayed on the stage of our venue – Gallagher Performing Arts Centre. Through ticket sales and donations, the night raised essential funds for our work.
We are lucky to have a loyal event sponsor Lodge Real Estate and event support from Kiwi Camping, Outfitters, Trek’n’Travel and Sundog Healing Massage Therapy. Proceeds from the event were tagged to purchase an 8-person stand up paddle board.
Magical Moments
Brian shares a magical moment that he witnessed at the Year 9 Matamata camp in Okataina.
We were kayaking from the jetty to a secluded bay with a group of twenty students. With the rise in lake water levels over the past year, the bay we stopped at used to have a beautiful beach with a grove of trees behind it. This year the beach was under water and we had to paddle through the trees to get to land.
We paddled to shore and took the crew to visit the ancient Māori food pits and then got back in our kayaks to paddle home. I was at the back of the group; nearly all the students had made there way back out of the submerged forest except for one young man, Matthew. As he struggled to get paddle past the trees I noticed he started to get a bit agitated. Before I could say anything, one of the senior leaders who stayed behind, a Year 13 student, Stephen paddled quietly up to Matthew and proceeded to swap kayaks with him. Stephen was very calm, which helped to soothe Matthew’s nervous state. When the kayak exchange was completed, Matthew paddled back happily and confidently.
Stephen explained to me that a spider had landed on Matthew’s kayak when he was paddling through the trees. Stephen knew that Matthew had a few anxieties, especially with crawling insects. He was able to recognize the problem, and to effect a solution smoothly without any fuss. To me this was a perfect example of the job of a senior leader at camp, to be like a big brother or sister in supporting and protecting the juniors. I’m sure that back at school if Mathhew has any issues he would be confident to ask Stephen for help.
(Names changed to protect identities)
Teacher Feedback
Horotiu Primary School shared the experiences and feedback from a Professional Development session.
We want to send a really big thank you to POET for all the mahi you did in bringing our journey camp to fruition. Our staff cannot speak highly enough of the experience they had. It seems quite some time ago that we sat down as a leadership team with POET around a table in the office brainstorming all the things we’d love our staff to experience and learn during the trip. Our excitement gathered as POET explained what they could do to support and grow this kaupapa – we ended that day with pages of ideas and opportunities. It was a rich place to start!
Our team of teachers were keen to get onboard (even in the term break) and although there was at time some anticipation about what lay ahead, they packed their bags and headed to Mangakino for two days of adventure. With the itinerary, gear list and padded cycling shorts all sorted early on, our team were well-prepared and ready to stretch their comfort zone a little (or a lot as the case was for some) and to learn.
The journey itself was everything we wanted it to be. It brought us together as a team, grew our staff’s understanding of EOTC and gave teachers so many opportunities to learn from their own experiences and plan ahead for their students’. It was wonderful to be out amongst nature – the land, the water, the birds and wildlife. We appreciated the moments in between where staff learned about the local area, how to use native plants for rongoa and how to engage in basic camp skills. The opportunity to start in one spot and to physically and mentally follow the winding banks of the Waikato River (who’s water flows past us further downstream) to another, did as much for our individual wellbeing as it did for our team. There were moments of challenge for everyone along the way, but this was surpassed by moments of success, celebration and achievement too. This was not a destination camp but more aptly named a ‘journey camp’ – moving us forward in more ways than we could’ve imagined.
The shared experience of this has been great for staff as we achieved something special together. It has reminded us all of what it is like to for our students when we ask them to try something new or take the first steps in something they find difficult. At Horotiu School we seek to empower and inspire students to be all they can be. It is also a great analogy in our roles as educators – at times it can be easy cycling allowing us to lift our heads and enjoy the view but there are also times when the path is more challenging requiring us to dig down deep and focus on the next step supporting each other along the way – if we approach our journey with open minds and strive together for success, we can all achieve.
“Ki te kotahi te kaakaho ka whati, ki te kaapuia e kore whati” – “When reeds standalone they are vulnerable, but together they are unbreakable” – Ngaa Kingi Tawhiao
We look forward to our staff continuing to share the experience and knowledge learned.
This year, we are particularly grateful for the partnership with NZ Carbon Farming.
NZCF is one of the largest contributors to Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate change action. As part of the active management of their conservation estate, the company also operates the largest private pest control programme in the country.
Our collaboration not only enhances the quality of our outdoor programmes but also cultivates in our young participants a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. Together, we are working on fostering a generation that values and actively contributes to the conservation of our natural world.