Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust is proud to announce the purchase of a lifestyle block that will become Tūruki Ora (Strengthening Wellbeing), a dynamic new space dedicated to enhancing health, resilience and learning through connection with the natural environment.
Named Tūruki Ora (strengthening wellbeing) the site will provide a diverse range of program spaces to support the organisation’s mahi. Planned activities include engagement with the great outdoors, animal husbandry, hen and pig rearing, alpacas, lambs and sheep, carpentry projects, horticultural experiences, and a future produce market with many more opportunities to come.
The site already features established tunnel houses, orchards, an orangery, berry beds, livestock paddocks and functional working spaces. Over time, these facilities will support tangata whaiora to participate in meaningful activities onsite, whether through structured programmes or experiential learning opportunities. The vision includes creative expression, hands-on horticulture, practical skill-building, and preparation of produce for market in a purpose-built shed.
To support development of Tūruki Ora, Paul White has been appointed to oversee site projects. Paul brings extensive experience in project management, health and safety practice, building and construction, and site scheduling and management. Joining him is Rewi-Tiaki Te-Ahuru-Karetai, who will work alongside rangatahi while also contributing to onsite projects.
Tūruki Ora reflects Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu’s commitment to creating opportunities for skill development, knowledge sharing and personal growth. The initiative is grounded in the understanding that there is no single pathway to improved health and wellbeing. By fostering connection to land, environment and practical skills, Tūruki Ora will strengthen personal capacity and resilience while enhancing the organisation’s services.
Two key projects will commence immediately:
• Retrofitting an existing space into a classroom to support health and safety training, learning opportunities and health clinics.
• Upgrading the house on site into operational office space.
Due to health and safety requirements, site access will be by prior approval only. However, dedicated open days will be scheduled in the coming months to allow NKMP staff and stakeholders to visit, explore the space and imagine the many possibilities Tūruki Ora offers.
Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu extends sincere thanks to its Board for their support and commitment to bringing this vision to life.
Further updates will be shared in the coming weeks.
Nau mai haere mai
📧 paul.white@nkmp.nz
📞 022 010 0300
Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm
