Kahunui - Life Skills Experience

Our Year 10 girls have shown great resilience this year with many interruptions to their Kahunui Life Skills programme due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are proud to say that despite the disruptions, we have been able to ensure that all Year 10s have been able to participate in the transformative Kahunui experience. Now into our second decade, the campus is evolving with a spotlight on making the most of the amazing location in which the campus is based. Students have created and deepened connections with each other, themselves and the land. Our girls have focused on living in the moment, coming together as a team, and facing challenges with a positive mindset. Our 2020 intakes have had a fabulous time developing many new skills and trying new experiences such as Blokarting, wharf jumping, tramping, planting, cooking both indoors and outdoors, tenting and gaining huge confidence in their abilities. ‘Pay it Forward’ is an integral part of the programme, understanding Kaitiakitanga / guardianship and how students can contribute to the future sustainability of Kahunui. Many trees have been planted by the 2020 intakes to protect the waterways and increase the native bush area. The focus has been to look at ways of reducing waste and this included strategies such as improving the recycling process, minimising plastic waste by adapting the food programme and taking action by successfully managing the reduction of food waste in their houses. All girls leave Kahunui with an greater understanding of why a trapping programme is so important. They develop an understanding of what a bait station is, learn how to set a stoat trap, check for vermin when walking the trapping lines and enjoy the Kahunui native bush.

Our Year 10 girls have taken Kahunui in their stride with positive attitudes, relishing the routines and the opportunity to develop new skill sets. They take away many happy and formative memories and it has been lovely to observe them taking time to enjoy this wonderful place. —Gail Morrison, Acting Head of Campus