With over 4500 young people in the last 12
months alone cycled through the various courses available, Kokako Lodge Outdoor
Education Camp continues their strong reputation for delivering courses in
educational and personal excellence through outdoor pursuits to young people in
South Auckland, NZ.
First built in 1990 by the Stuart family
adjacent to the Hunua Falls in the Hunua Regional Park, this 85 bed residential
camp has been constantly upgrading both its educational content and its
facilities. Kokako Lodge takes its name from the endangered native Kokako bird,
and weekly they work towards the return of Kokako to the Hunua Falls area.
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Botany East Tamaki Rotarians at the Kokako Lodge opening of
the new multifunction administration block
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Managed on behalf of the Auckland City
Council, the Kokako Lodge Trust with its many sponsors and supporters was proud
to open the new multifunction administration block on August 14, 2013. Trust
Chairman John Melville noted in his address, “Whilst Kokako Lodge is a
not-for-profit organisation, it doesn't mean non-profit. This has allowed us to
confidently embark on this building project. We are proud of the sound
commercial basis for our organisation. Paying our way is no easy task and I
would like to thank Laura Fourie, our Camp Director and her team, who continue
to run the camp so professionally.”
Since her appointment, Laura has injected
a new level of professionalism and commercial acumen to the running of the
facility with continuous improvements in curriculum, training, equipment,
facilities and engagement with the South Auckland community. Key sponsors and
partners have also stepped up to assist, including the NZ Communities Trust,
Four Winds Foundation and the Lion Foundation to name a few. A special thanks
from John was also given to the Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki who, “as
cornerstone partners with the Kokako Trust have made fantastic contributions
this year, as in the past, and their involvement as Board Trustees is
priceless.”
As part of their
custodian license agreement, Kokako Lodge was tasked by the Auckland Council to
work with the group of ten Achievement In
Multicultural High Schools
(AIMHI) low decile schools to promote outdoor education and support
improved educational outcomes for students in AIMHI schools. These AIMHI
schools also provide two Trustees to the
Kokako Trust Board. On the day of
the new Administration Block opening, Otahuhu College students apply
demonstrated the skill and courage required to conqueror the High Ropes
challenge course.
With instructors
now able to issue National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and NZ
Qualifications Authority (NZQA) credits on many course subjects, both within the camp
environment and externally at schools and businesses, the new administration
block plus works underway to upgrade the ventilation in the accommodation
facilities and base facilities around the ropes courses, Kokako Lodge is well
set to continue delivering their vision of “providing young people with the
opportunity to recognise and achieve their potential” for decades to
come.
The
Low Down
Kokako Lodge is
situated in the foothills of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park, which is
Auckland's largest park, at approximately 17 000 hectares.
As part of the
license agreement with the Auckland Council, custodianship of Kokako Lodge was
given to the Kokako Lodge Trust to work with the AIMHI schools.
Corporate
and community group sponsors like the Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki provide
Trustees for the Kokako Lodge Trust Board, assist with fundraising for both
facility and equipment upgrades, plus assist with camp fees for low decile
students who may otherwise not be able to experience such an outdoor education
opportunity.
