Connecting people to nature to inspire them to care and advocate for nature.
Underpinning a lot of A Rocha’s work is the impetus to nurture our tamariki and rangatahi to be the next generation of kaitiaki in Aotearoa. Our work connects people to nature and inspires them to care and advocate for nature.
Environmental education is a key element of the Karioi Project, creating a connection with nature, and an appreciation and understanding of ecology and the environment to encourage kaitiakitanga and behavioural change. We have created place-based, outdoor learning experiences and environmental education programmes for tamariki, our community and schools. The Karioi Project offers the following environmental education programmes:
Please visit the Karioi Project website for more details of these environmental education programmes.
A key element of the Eco Church project is education and engagement around the theological imperative to care for creation. Our focus has been on developing a new generation of kaitiaki through nature-based and ecology focused camps for tamariki and rangatahi and the training and equipping of environmental leaders within a church community. We offer the following education and engagement programmes:
An environmental leadership development course for high school students – offered in partnership with Wilberforce Foundation.
11-day wilderness journey for rangatahi (17-18 years) at four amazing locations in Aotearoa (Canterbury, Otago, Ruapehu, Bay of Islands) in December each year focused on developing character and strengthening their connections with God, others and creation – offered in partnership with Scripture Union NZ and Adventure Specialities Trust.
A week-long programme in October exploring Whāingaroa Raglan and learning how to contribute sustainably to the world around us, and how to sustain our relationship with God – offered in partnership with Scripture Union NZ.
Online kōrero sessions featuring guest speakers on topics that are of interest to eco church communities.
A three-part introduction to Eco Church and some tips for the journey.
Small group booklets to assist faith communities to reflect upon how they live and offers practical steps to make sustainability integral to lives of faith.
A experiential and contemplative approach to help children connect to God, each other and the natural world.
Great speakers to help inspire church communities on their eco church journey.
Other education and engagement events / workshops in partnership with Christian and church organisations - these are advertised on our Facebook events page.
All A Rocha local groups are encouraged to develop environmental education initiatives for local churches and communities – particularly initiatives that involved direction experiences and participation in God’s creation. Some of educational initiatives organised by local groups include:
Practical conservation for healthier and flourishing ecosystems and communities.
Connecting and inspiring people to care and advocate for nature.
Inspiring and empowering communities to take action for sustainability.
© 2023 A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand
Charity registration: CC36274
[email protected]