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Who We Are
Education Outdoors New Zealand (EONZ) is the leading national organisation championing outdoor education and Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) in Aotearoa. We are dedicated to nurturing meaningful connections between educators, learners, and te taiao | the natural world through safe, empowering, and enriching learning experiences.
EONZ is dedicated to empowering kaiako with the resources and guidance they need to confidently deliver quality learning experiences in te taiao. Our mission is to break down barriers to outdoor learning and ensure that all ākonga have safe and equitable access.
Our Commitment to Kaiako
Supporting educators to deliver quality learning experiences in te taiao by providing practical tools and tailored resources.
Offering support with EOTC planning, embedding te taiao into the curriculum, and complying with safety management guidelines.
Helping kaiako to feel prepared and capable when navigating outdoor learning opportunities, fostering their adaptability and leadership in te taiao.
“EONZ’s resources and guidance transformed our approach to outdoor education. Their support has been invaluable.” (Secondary teacher)
"I've found the EONZ PLD excellent in supporting our school practices and ensuring our students have exciting and safe opportunities outside of the 'usual' classroom experiences." (School leader)
"EONZ has been essential to my growth as a teacher." (Primary teacher)
Let us support you to create confident learners and meaningful connections to te taiao.
This visual representation below captures the heart of who we are at EONZ—our purpose, vision, values, and foundation woven together. It reflects our deep commitment to nurturing meaningful connections with te taiao, grounded in te ao Māori and supported by strong partnerships across Aotearoa.
Whether you're new to our organisation or exploring our kaupapa, this visual representation speaks to our collective journey: working together to grow outdoor learning that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and connected to place.
E hohoutia te taiao i a tātou – Nurturing deep connections to the natural world.
At the heart of our vision is the belief that every learner in Aotearoa should have the opportunity to form profound lifelong connections with nature, creating opportunities for growth and understanding, and a deeper sense of belonging.
By respecting and being empowered by the natural environment, educators can foster a safe, nurturing space for learners and future generations.
The importance of being connected to te taiao and staying resilient in a constantly evolving world.
Therefore, giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
For EONZ
These values guide us as we support educators in delivering high-quality outdoor learning experiences that inspire confidence and resilience in learners.
EONZ is guided by core principles that reflect our commitment to fostering relationships, equity, and sustainability:
Poipoiā te kākano Nurture the seed
First and foremost, we must nurture the seed, for the seed is what carries the whakapapa of those who have come before. Within the whakapapa is the potential which is needed for the seed to grow and flourish.
EONZ promotes safe, holistic well-being through mana enhancing practices in te taiao.
Poipoiā te taiao Nurture the environment
The taiao or natural environment is where the kākano will be planted. As the ngahere started with a seed and created a great forest, so too shall our kākano be planted. The natural environment must be nurtured, and the soils tended by those with the same aspirations, so our kākano achieves its potential and grows to a ngāherehere.
EONZ acknowledges mana whenua and their mana motuhake, and embraces tika sustainable practice for future generations.
Poipoiā te iwi Nurture the people
Our kākano extends its tap root deep into the whenua to realise its potential and te tipu emerges into te ao mārama. It will grow into a rākau rangatira to shelter the next generation. Nurturing the people is paramount to continuing the whakapapa of our great ngahere. He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao, he tangata he tangata he tangata.
EONZ embraces equitable and inclusive relationships with individuals, mana whenua, organisations and other partners.
Kia puāwai te aroha Our aspirations will flourish
EONZ whakamana the great forest of Tāne by nurturing te kākano, nurturing te taiao, and nurturing te tāngata. We focus on symbiotic growth and connections in te taiao between tāngata tiriti, tāngata tauiwi and tāngata whenua.
EONZ would like to acknowledge the many people who inspired and guided the development of Pae Tawhiti and the He Kakano framework. In particular, we thank Amorangi Apaapa (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Raukawa, Ngāti Tangata), who wrote the whakatauāki which is the backbone of our guiding principles and played a key role throughout our work.
We would like to thank Kuruho Wereta (Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga, Te Āti Awa, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira) for his design work that has brought to life Pae Tawhiti and our story.
The following EONZ members have made a significant and ongoing contribution to EONZ and Outdoor Education in New Zealand over an extended period:
Recipient:
Asssociate Professor Mike Boyes
The bestowing of this special award of Te Tumu acknowledges leadership in our sector over an extended period of time.
Read more about the meaning of the award and Mike's enduring contribution to outdoor education and EONZ contribution.