Welcome to our Annual Report
A word from our Chair
Marlene Julian
As the wider world, and our youth especially, becomes more and more focused on the screens in front of their faces, POET continues to work to get our young people out and about, engaging with their local environments.
“There is a growing body
of research showing the
physiological, psychological and
social benefits of connecting
with the great outdoors.
POET plays a critical role
in supporting schools to
create experiences safely.”
Rob Hamill POET Board member
Partner Schools
Students
School Camps
Teachers
Our Favourite Stories
For us, social media and the world wide web are like the modern-day campfire; a chance to connect, to get to know each other, share stories and lessons learnt.
Outdoor
Experiences
to engage
and empower
young people
Teacher
Snippets
Te Kauwhata College
Blair Campbell – teacher
Going into camp our Year 10 cohort was extremely disjointed. We spend a good deal of time on the first day and throughout the camp developing individual and groups skills needed to develop an effective group. The groups excelled in the activities, especially on the tramp and overnight camp. During the camp the groups had to rely on each other to cook their own meals. This was a really rewarding experience according to feedback from the students. At the end of camp all of the groups performed extremely well in the amazing race. We had four groups break the record of the fastest and highest points.
Ngaruawahia High School
Tarena Ranui – teacher
“Our goal was that our students would learn to walk their local land and grow an appreciation for their environment. Over three days we had 120 Junior students walk the length of the Hakarimata Track ranging from 5 hours through to 9 hours. For some students this track pushed them to their physical and mental limits. We had a group of staff and senior students who we named the ‘24km club’ that walked the track three days in a row.”
We work with
People We Work With
We’ve made a conscious effort to align our values when choosing the businesses we work with. We’ve met some great people along the way!
Our Partner Schools
We worked with 9 partner schools in 2017. In 2018 Waihi College will manage their own programmes enabling us to work with 2 additional schools.
“I found that being outdoors
helped take away the stress
of school life as well as give
me time to admire things
that can’t be found on
social media or any device”
Melville High School student 2017
Our
People
We’re a mixed bunch
but we’re all in the waka together
To the right are few short stories that will give a little more personal insight into some of our people
If you’re keen to see what we all look like and know a bit more about the whole team, click on the arrow below
“Students at all levels but
particularly Years 9, 10 and 13
have reported the development
of a sense of family and a sense
community amongst our student
body….this being a direct linkage”
with the POET programme.”
Ian Ferguson Principal Forest View High School Tokoroa
Our Financials
Our story in numbers
In 2017 – both strategically and operationally. Funding makes
us function, so believe it’s really important to spend it wisely.
Click here for the consolidated accounts
- Our annual running costs 12%
- Average number of Year 9’s attending camps 89%
- Teacher facilitated camps 100%
“Their staff are outstanding with
excellent specialist knowledge
that has allowed the development
of camps that are designed to
offer leadership, team building
and outdoor experience.”
Doug Black Principal Paeroa College
Supporting us through the years
Its important to reflect on and acknowledge the massive contribution that sponsors, funders and supporters make to our organisation.
We all recognise the importance of enabling our young people to access the outdoors and all that it brings. While our annual report highlights our 2017 support, 2018 already see’s further new partnerships developing with Pak’nSave Mill Street and First Credit Union.
See below for all of our valued sponsor’s logos.
Thanks for your wonderful support over the years.
Lion Foundation
Gaming Trust
Gregg, you and your team have been with us from the beginning – literally 10,000’s of nights camping in your tents!!
Kiwi Camping
In-kind supporter
Thanks for coming on board in 2017 !
Hamilton Orthodontics
Sponsor
Our Partners
Aligining our values to choosing the businesses we work with.
“I am a strong believer that
there is much more to learn
from the world than what
you read in a text book”
Emma Burke POET Board member
Locations
We Love The Waikato
Get In Touch
Follow Our Activity
We hope you have enjoyed reading our annual report that we've cobbled together and figured out using Mr Google.
Please do not hesitate in contacting us if you would like to support our work.