We can adapt and respond to the needs of our partner kura to ensure we get rangatahi and tamariki outdoors. 2022 looks like a bit of work in progress with lots of challenges and changes but we’ll work our way through it.

We’ve been keen to explore ways of extending our mahi into the primary space and 2022 starts to see some action on this front. We have formed a connection with the Ngaruawahia kahui ako and hopefully later in the year the Melville kahui ako too. Its great interacting with primary schools and we hope to be able to create a generic curriculum that covers what schools are doing or intend to do at each year level. From there we can look at how POET could offer specific support whether it be training for teachers to run regular outdoor classrooms, loaning gear for outdoor events, or whatever we can offer to build the quality of outdoor education in these schools.

For the past few years we have been fortunate to have sponsorship from Lodge Real Estate to host the NZ Mountain Film Festival. As hard as we tried in 2021 we were unable to get the event up and running. We ended up having to issue refunds for tickets but would like to especially mention those attendees who refused refunds and donated to POET instead, thanks.

2022 sees us hosting a new very special exclusive event – A yarn with Beau Miles, the Backyard Adventurer. I hope you can join us on the 2nd September for a fun night out. Tickets will be on sale soon.

Perry Outdoor Education Trust recognises that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a founding document of New Zealand. We also recognise that as a responsible New Zealand organisation, we have many opportunities to implement Te Tiriti actively and honourably in the way we operate and govern. 2022 will see us begin our organisation’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi journey which will enhance our cultural responsive capability.