Mātauranga Ngahere (Forest of Knowledge) weaves nature-based education, hands-on experiences, and community collaboration to provide young ākonga with a holistic and immersive learning journey. Rooted in the principles of kaitiakitanga, mana tangata, and kotahitanga, this transformative program aims to nurture well-being, academic engagement, and personal growth while fostering a deep connection with the environment.
Vision
To foster environmental sustainability, encourage active recreation, develop social and technical skills, and promote and utilise mātauranga Māori.
Mission
To engage rangatahi in co-designing and planting a forest park, providing opportunities for skills development such as open space management, engaging in active recreation, and promoting a culture of kaitiakitanga for the environment.
Sustainable. Social. Educational.
The project's success will result in the creation of a recreational and educational space for rangatahi and the hapori (community) while contributing to the preservation and growth of Ōtautahi Christchurch's natural environment
Why Mātauranga Ngahere?
Educational opportunities
Spaces for active recreation
Youth engagement
Environmental awareness & sustainability
Skill development and empowerment
The Value of Mātauranga Ngahere
Community driven
Skills Development Opportunities for Rangatahi
Holistic Approach & Comprehensive Learning
Unique Concept
Long-term Impact
Underlying Principles
Kaitiakitanga
(Guardians)
Kotahitanga
(Unity)
Mana Tangata
(Personal Growth)
What we envision it to look like in 5, 10, 20, 30 years
An urban forest that features walking trails, interactive learning spaces, cultural landmarks, native plantings, and community gathering areas - co-designed and built by rangatahi.
Feedback from Ākonga, Kaiako, & Whānau
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the participants
Ezra* has loved the couple of sessions he has done, he even has them bringing pizza stuff again tomorrow because he missed out last time. - Raewyn*
Never underestimate the impact you have and what you are doing! These kids thrive on
adult company, spending time with you, sharing stories and knowledge and building relationships.
Ngā mihi nui, Anna*
John* has told me his mum is so proud - she has started a folder and is printing out photos and information. This is from a child who was struggling at their last school and had many write-ups for poor behaviour. As mum said to me "We have really turned a corner". - Kaiako
Isaac* is so happy to be there. Thank you so much! You are making a difference for those kiddos and their families - Elaine*
The team leading this initiative
Climate Action Campus
Climate Action Campus, founded by former Christchurch mayor, Vicki Buck and directed by Niki Stephenson, is an innovative educational initiative of eight Canterbury schools. Serving as a satellite of Ao Tawhiti, the campus empowers students to design their learning programs, fostering autonomy and contributing to hands-on outdoor experiences. It actively aligns with Matauranga Ngahere's objectives of environmental education and active recreation.
Citycare Property, a local business in Ōtautahi Christchurch, plays a crucial role in Mātauranga Ngahere by utilising its expertise in reforestation, open space management, and native plants. This contribution is vital as it not only enhances environmental sustainability but also opens avenues for career opportunities. Through apprenticeship programmes, students can acquire skills, knowledge, and qualifications, setting them on a path for a successful and fulfilling life.
Christchurch City Council
The Christchurch City Council plays a pivotal role as a key partner in the Mātauranga Ngahere initiative. Actively engaged in co-designing the program, the Council's park rangers are set to work alongside Citycare Property, ensuring a hands-on and community-driven approach. This collaboration underscores a shared dedication to fostering community well-being and providing meaningful opportunities for youth development within the city.
We work hand-in-hand with other government organisations, tertiary institutions, businesses, and community collaborators to create and establish Mātauranga Ngahere, fostering social identity, inclusion, and cohesion, where every member of the community can flourish.
Stage 1
Landscape Planning & Design
Ākonga will investigate, design, and shape the landscape. Hands-on activities include conducting surveys, land preparation, fostering a connection with the whenua. Plus, ākonga will delve into historical and medicinal knowledge, unlocking the secrets held by each plant.
Stage 2
Delivery
The journey of Landscape Planning and Design continues, allowing students to apply their newfound knowledge immediately. Ākonga will bring their designs to life as they delve into horticulture and open space management. This course offers a holistic exploration of nature, from conception to creation.
Stage 3
Woodworking and Infrastructure Building
Ākonga will immerse in hands-on creativity as students bring play to the forest. From crafting benches to weaving pathways, constructing huts, and treehouses, this stage blends practical design with the joy of outdoor creation, fostering a unique and engaging natural play environment.
Stage 4
Ongoing: Maintenance
Ākonga will embark on a journey of continuous care for our landscape. From the intricacies of mulching to the precision of weeding, students will acquire both knowledge and skills to uphold the vitality of their green sanctuary. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, the significance of ongoing maintenance will unfold, nurturing a profound connection with the environment.
Stage 5
Final touches, Awards and Celebration
Ākonga will bring their vision to life with finishing touches. Outstanding ākonga will be acknowledged with awards. We'll collectively review the program, share insights and compile a comprehensive report. This term will mark the triumphant conclusion of the transformative Mātauranga Ngahere journey.
Interested ākonga can apply for Citycare Property’s apprenticeship programme: Kickstart
Term 1, 2024
Term | Week | Date | Time | Who | What |
1 | 1 | 23/02/2024 | 10:00am - 12:15pm | Citycare Property | Main Aim: Students to design and build a park. Target audience: Rangatahi
Part 1: Design survey questions. Gather feedback from other rangatahi in school.
Part 2: Land survey. Assess the area we are working in. What can stay and what needs to go? Soil testing Area 1 |
2 | 1/03/2024 | Christchurch City Council (CCC) | Part 1: Application for the Youth Week funding. Students will complete an application form for a Youth Week activity.
Part 2: Continuation of Land survey + Soil testing Area 2. Determine what resources are available that can reused/recycled/upcycle | ||
3 | 8/03/2024 | CCC + Sport Canterbury | Part 1: Sport Canterbury will speak to rangatahi about Youth Week. Part 2: Parks Day - Go through the survey results. How many respondents and what is the general consensus? Continuation with resources. | ||
4 | 15/03/2024 | Citycare | Research Presentation and Landscape Design | ||
5 | 22/03/2024 | Citycare | Landscape Design and Resource Assessment | ||
6 | 29/03/2024 | NA | Good Friday | ||
7 | 5/04/2023 | Citycare & ASB | Part 1: Health and Safety Workshop with Citycare Part 2: Financial Planning & Budgeting for Project with ASB | ||
8 | 12/04/2024 | CCC | Land Clearing/Seeding | ||
Term 1 Holidays | |||||
Term 2, 2024
2 | 1 | 3/05/2024 | 10am-12.15pm | Citycare | Planting, Land Clearing, Mulching, Feeding, Building Infrastructures needed, e.g. pathways etc. |
2 | 10/05/2024 | CCC | Planting, Land Clearing, Mulching, Feeding, Building Infrastructures needed, e.g. pathways etc. | ||
3 | 17/05/2024 | Citycare | Planting, Land Clearing, Mulching, Feeding, Building Infrastructures needed, e.g. pathways etc. | ||
4 | 24/05/2024 | CCC | Planting, Land Clearing, Mulching, Feeding, Building Infrastructures needed, e.g. pathways etc. | ||
5 | 31/05/2024 | Citycare | Planting, Land Clearing, Mulching, Feeding, Building Infrastructures needed, e.g. pathways etc. | ||
6 | 7/06/2024 | CCC | Planting, Land Clearing, Mulching, Feeding, Building Infrastructures needed, e.g. pathways etc. | ||
7 | 14/06/2024 | Citycare | Planting, Land Clearing, Mulching, Feeding, Building Infrastructures needed, e.g. pathways etc. | ||
8 | 21/06/2024 | CCC | Planting, Land Clearing, Mulching, Feeding, Building Infrastructures needed, e.g. pathways etc. | ||
9 | 28/06/2024 | NA | Matariki | ||
10 | 5/07/2024 | CCC + Citycare | Social activities + Mid-year celebration for mahi. | ||
Term 2 Holidays | |||||
Term 3, 2024
3 | 1 | 26/07/2024 | 10am-12.15pm | Citycare + ASB | Part 1: Health and Safety Refresh Part 2: Revisit Financial Planning |
2 | 2/08/2024 | CCC | Finalising details and mapping out what and where things will go | ||
3 | 9/08/2024 | Citycare | Confirming woodwork resources needed, prep for everything | ||
4 | 16/08/2024 | CCC | Confirming woodwork resources needed, prep for everything | ||
5 | 23/08/2024 | Citycare | Complicated woodworking such as benches - Workshop | ||
6 | 30/08/2024 | CCC | Complicated woodworking such as benches - Supervised | ||
7 | 6/09/2024 | Citycare | Complicated woodworking such as benches, small huts etc - Workshop | ||
8 | 13/09/2024 | CCC | Complicated woodworking such as benches - Supervised | ||
9 | 20/09/2024 | Citycare | Finishing the woodwork - Workshop | ||
10 | 27/09/2024 | CCC | Finishing woodwork - Supervised | ||
Term 3 Holidays | |||||
Term 4, 2024
4 | 1 | 18/10/2024 | 10am-12.15pm | Citycare | Installations - Workshop |
2 | 25/10/2024 | CCC | Installations - supervised | ||
3 | 1/11/2024 | Citycare | Installations - supervised | ||
4 | 8/11/2024 | CCC | Installations - supervised | ||
5 | 15/11/2024 | NA | Canterbury Day | ||
6 | 22/11/2024 | CCC | Open day prep | ||
7 | 29/11/2024 | Citycare | Open day prep | ||
8 | 6/12/2024 | CCC + Citycare | Celebration/Socials/Open day (Invite public/parents) | ||
Christmas Holidays | |||||
If you are in Year 7-11 and interested in being part of this programme, please get in touch with us to apply. You will need permission from your school and transportation options will be discussed.
If you are a school or organisation with ākonga who may benefit from the programme, contact us to discuss options.
Spaces are limited to 25.
2 years commitment, 2 hours weekly during term time in 2024-2025.
We're inviting sponsors and partners to play a vital role in supporting and joining our kaupapa.
By sponsoring, you directly contribute to providing transportation, essential resources, and immersive learning experiences for ākonga.
We also welcome collaborations and partnerships in other areas, including but not limited to research and running workshops.
Your contribution will enable the development of practical skills, enhance well-being, and create a lasting impact.
Join us in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and be part of a meaningful journey toward sustainability!
Kia ora!
Toitū te marae o Tāne-Mahuta, Toitū te marae o Tangaroa, Toitū te tangata.
If the land is well and the sea is well, the people will thrive.
Contact: hana.saemonbeck@citycareproperty.co.nz
