Experience the Hunter Gatherer Gardener Program These School Holidays!
Kia ora e te whānau! Looking for an exciting and educational experience for the kids—and the whole whānau—these school holidays?
The Hunter Gatherer Gardener (H.G.G.) program, hosted by Ra Clay at the Grey Area Nursery in Kaiata, offers an extraordinary opportunity for young West Coasters and their whānau to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, learn new skills, and connect with their community—all at no cost.
Whether your tamariki (children) are budding gardeners, aspiring hunters, or curious about gathering rongoā and bush foods, the H.G.G. program has a wide range of activities to cater to every interest.
Designed with a focus on tikanga (values) and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), the program’s wānanga (workshops) teach practical skills that are essential for self-sufficiency and a sustainable lifestyle, encouraging participants to get hands-on and build confidence in various areas:
Whakangau | Hunting
Learn to navigate local hunting grounds with respect for the whenua (land) and its kaitiaki (guardians). Gain an understanding of how to obtain necessary permits and permissions, handle firearms safely, and master essential bushcraft techniques. This is a fantastic way for participants to develop an understanding of the ethics and responsibilities involved in hunting while fostering a deep respect for the taiao (environment).
Te Kohikohi | Gathering
Discover how to identify and gather local kai (food) from the ngahere (forest) and takutai (coastline). From ngāhere kai (forest foods) to kai moana (seafood), participants will be educated on sustainable practices, ensuring they follow all rules and regulations. These sessions are an excellent introduction to food foraging, rongoā Māori (Māori medicinal uses), and environmental stewardship.
Te Māra Kai | Gardening
Dive into the world of māra kai (gardening) with practical lessons on planting, pruning, and caring for fruit trees. Participants will experience how to grow in bags or garden beds, using locally-sourced materials for free. This workshop encourages an appreciation for growing kai that provides nourishment throughout the year and supports healthy whānau living.
Bring the Whānau!
The H.G.G. program welcomes the entire whānau to participate! These workshops are not just for tamariki—parents, grandparents, and siblings are encouraged to join in and learn together. This is an opportunity for whānau to create shared memories, build skills collectively, and strengthen their connection to each other and the whenua.
Ngā Hua | Benefits Beyond Learning
Beyond teaching these valuable skills, the H.G.G. program fosters a sense of community and respect for the environment, reinforcing the importance of sustainable living and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). The sessions are crafted to instill values that promote hauora (well-being) and whanaungatanga (building relationships), creating lifelong memories and boosting self-esteem for tamariki and whānau alike.
Ra Clay, a passionate leader with deep ties to the West Coast, developed this kaupapa (initiative) to support families in building a closer connection with their whenua (land) and gain the skills they need to provide for themselves and their whānau.
These wānanga are not just about learning—they’re about strengthening connections, nurturing resilience, and celebrating our taiao (natural world) together as a community. This school holidays, embrace the opportunity for your whānau to be a part of something truly meaningful and enriching.
For more details or to secure a spot in one of the upcoming workshops, get in touch with Ra at the Grey Area Nursery.
Whāia te mātauranga | Pursue the knowledge, and let’s make these school holidays an unforgettable adventure with the Hunter Gatherer Gardener program!
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