Learn, Grow, Lead Tamariki Camp

Learning to surf

This February 2016, twelve kids from around New Zealand joined the Raglan community to take part in a week-long activity camp based on the challenge of learning to surf.

The Learn, Grow, Lead Tamariki Camp is one of the ways Meridian makes a positive difference to communities living near our wind farms and hydro stations. The kids come from these communities around New Zealand, and from our KidsCan partner schools.

The Raglan community

Raglan locals welcomed the Te Uku wind farm back in 2008 and now they're sharing their beautiful environment with the Learn, Grow, Lead Tamariki Camp. The kids learnt to surf with local hero and World Waterman Daniel Kereopa.

They stayed at ecosurf retreat Karioi Lodge, run by Erin Rogers and Charlie Young. We’re continually grateful to the Raglan Surf Life Savers for watching over the community’s beaches not only during the camp but all year round. Pupils from Raglan Area and Te Mata schools joined the kids on the Camp for some of the activities, and we thank them for sharing their patch of paradise with the visitors.

More about Daniel Kereopa
More about Erin and Charlie at Karioi Lodge

Meet the kids

From communities across New Zealand, including Auckland, Manawatu, Southland, Wellington and Christchurch, this group of highly motivated kids took on the challenge to learn to surf safely. They also met a community that’s doing some amazing things to inspire us all to keep our planet clean and beautiful.

Throughout their time on the Camp the kids:

- developed confidence as they learnt new skills, such as preparing and cooking a fish
- built leadership and team-work skills through group activities
- learnt from a diverse range of inspiring people, cultures and experiences.

Learn, grow, lead

In addition to learning to surf safely, the kids learnt, grew and led through:

- visiting Te Uku wind farm
- visiting Xtreme Waste community recycling
- trying their hand at bone carving
- learning about the area’s cultural history
- fishing, preparing and cooking together
- reflecting on their experiences with each other
- taking part in the surf graduation and community celebration of their achievements.

Water safety is central to the Learn, Grow, Lead Tamariki Camp at every level of experience. Learning to surf is a gift, but it comes with lots of planning and preparation, knowing your limits, and understanding the risks.

Check out these tips from New Zealand’s national surf life savers to remind yourself about safety in the water.

Keep safe tips

Gallery

Patrick and Rita

Patrick and Rita

Auckland kids Patrick and Rita join their Meridian buddy Ollie, on the first day of the Learn, Grow, Lead Tamariki Camp.
Te Rina and Eden

Te Rina and Eden

Te Rina and Eden arrive from Christchurch, where they attend Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Te Whanau Tahi. Their Meridian buddy Jaume has also travelled to Raglan from Christchurch.
Lessons with DK

Lessons with DK

In addition to surfing, DK and his partner Renee taught the kids about water safety and the ocean, and how surfing is much more than a sport.
Practicing paddling

Practicing paddling

The kids practice paddling a surfboard before heading to the beach on their first day of surfing.
Cartwheeling

Cartwheeling

The challenge was on before surfing had even begun.
Ready to go

Ready to go

Safety briefing complete and ready to get into the water!
Reihana

Reihana

Reihana from Naenae Intermediate in Lower Hutt, Wellington, is a natural standing up on his board.
Eden

Eden

Eden's also a natural, with DK helping to stabilise her board.
Ariana

Ariana

Naenae Intermediate student Ariana celebrates her success in the water.
Trevor

Trevor

From Dipton School, Southland, Trevor is focussed on his first day in the waves.
Grace

Grace

Grace, from Ashhurst School, paddles out to catch her next wave.
Milo

Milo

Brooklyn School's Milo tests his balance.
Patrick

Patrick

From Finlayson School in Auckland, Patrick paddles out determinedly to catch his next wave.
Te Rina

Te Rina

Te Rina shows off the fish she's just caught.
Adine

Adine

From Dipton School, Southland, Adine's pleased with her fishing efforts too.
Rita

Rita

Rita concentrates on her weaving in the evening at Karioi Lodge.
Lachlan

Lachlan

Lachlan grins as his confidence in the water grows.
Mia

Mia

Mia, from Northern Southland College, helps bring in the freshly picked vegetables from Karioi Lodge garden.
Karioi Lodge garden

Karioi Lodge garden

The kids help to pick vegetables from the Karioi Lodge garden.
Solscape visit

Solscape visit

The kids tuck into eco-cuisine at Solscape, an eco retreat that also runs and hosts workshops in sustainability and holistic well-being.
TV interview

TV interview

TVNZ's Te Karere interviews Eden about her experiences on the camp.
Safety video

Safety video

The kids film a surf safety video before hitting the waves on their final day.