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YOUTH & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Cultivate is on a mission to inspire and engage young people who are not currently in education, employment or training. We do it outdoors, with our hands in the dirt, working side by side, where young people are more likely to open up about their biggest challenges and we have the opportunity to connect with them. It is not necessary to be interested in horticulture - our current programme is mixed with many different outdoor experiences. 

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Cultivate Explore

  • 8-week horticulture and adventure-based programme - duration can be flexible depending on needs. 

  • 3 days per week, 9am-2.30pm group sessions 

  • 1:1 mentoring and wellbeing support

  • Hands-on learning in organic māra kai (food growing) and permaculture 

  • Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture. 

  • Opportunities to grow, harvest, prepare, and take home healthy food

  • Community volunteering and intergenerational connection 

  • Outdoor activities that build confidence and resilience

  • Strengths-based and personal development

  • Connection to positive role models and support networks

  • Pathways into further learning, volunteering, community participation, or employment readiness where appropriate

 

Outcomes 

Wellbeing

  • Improved mental and emotional wellbeing

  • Increased confidence and self-esteem

  • Greater sense of purpose and achievement

  • Improved resilience and coping skills

  • Reduced social isolation

Connection

  • Stronger connection to te taiao (the natural environment)

  • Increased sense of belonging and community connection

  • Development of positive friendships and support networks

  • Improved relationships with whānau and trusted adults

Healthy Lifestyles

  • Improved understanding of healthy food and nutrition

  • Increased physical activity and time outdoors

  • Development of positive daily routines and habits

Learning and Growth

  • Increased knowledge of permaculture and organic food growing

  • Greater food-growing skills and food resilience

  • Recognition of personal strengths, talents, and leadership 

  • Increased confidence to participate in education, volunteering, training, or employment opportunities

We use a holistic, strengths-based approach to wellbeing, providing opportunities for rangatahi to deepen their understanding of themselves, connect with the environment, and explore future pathways and opportunities. 

1-1 Mentoring

If you're aged 15-25 - or know someone who is - and looking to learn about outdoor careers, or gain support through Adventure Therapy, get in touch.

We have a flexible, person-centred, and strengths-based approach to working with young people that focuses on well-being and personal development, horticultural education, and environmental sustainability, delivered by a range of Mentors experienced in the outdoors. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER
CULTIVAE EXPLORE

Community Engagement I Whakauru hapori

Join us every Wednesday, 9.00am–11.30am or Book in as a group.

Our weekly working bees are open to everyone—individuals, whānau (families), students, retirees, and community members. No experience is needed.

Come along to:

  • Grow food and learn organic gardening skills

  • Meet new people and make connections

  • Support local food resilience

  • Spend time outdoors and improve wellbeing

  • Contribute to a thriving community space

 

Group Bookings
Schools, preschools, businesses, tertiary groups, and community organisations can book a tailored session on a day that suits. Activities can focus on food growing, environmental education, wellbeing, team building, or community service.

 

Everyone is welcome.

Cultivate Internships

"Before coming to Cultivate I was pretty depressed, lost and lacked confidence.

I had no thoughts or ambition on doing anything with my life. Then I started an internship with Cultivate, I feel like my life has changed.

 

This is because not only did working at Cultivate make me feel like I had a reason to get up I had purpose. The environment from all the people that I worked with were really supportive and non judgmental. I now have gained employment after my 3 month internship with Cultivate and feel a lot happier about my self and overall well being.

 

I feel like I am able to contribute to my life in a positive way and make healthier choices."

Claudia K, Intern

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