Core Programme

Our core programme is..

An intensive eight week experience where rangatahi are removed from their familiar environment, spending four weeks out in the Taranaki wilderness where they get to experience tramping, bushcraft training, noho marae, and a beach stay. The remaining four weeks is spent in our Ora Toa residence where we have in house training facilities to help identify potential learning and vocational pathways.

Throughout this time the group learn to live, work and have fun together as a team where it has proven successful as a time to reflect on their past and contemplate the future.  This experience is often a point of realisation which has proven to spark genuine motivation for change. 

“It built up my mental and physical strength and has shown who’s the important person, and it’s myself.”

— Programme participant

The wilderness phase is an effective tool for uncovering hidden strengths and talents.  The harsh conditions of the bush and the challenges allow for the invaluable development of strong trust and attachment between young people and staff.  It is these relationships that really make the difference throughout the rest of the programme.  Self-belief is evident at the end of this component; the young people have been pushed to their limits and have experienced what it feels like to succeed. 

To transition the young people from ‘the bush’ back into normal living, the Taiohi spend time on a local Marae.  START Taranaki collaborates with tangata whenua to promote the awareness of Maori culture and developing their Wairua me Hinengaro (spiritual awareness) whatever their beliefs or background may be. 

Our team continue to work intensively in conjunction with each individual to create a plan aligned with the ethos of Te Whare Tapa Wha. Once the eight weeks concludes we are able to support the rangatahi transition back into the community using the plans created throughout their time with us along with the training skills they have acquired.