Te Kura Taiao o Te Nehenehenui

Deep in the heart of Te Kuiti, Te Kura Taiao o Te Nehenehenui is redefining what education can look like — where learning happens on the maunga, in the awa, and under the stars. Led by Edz Wehi and a passionate community, this kaupapa empowers rangatahi to connect with Te Taiao through hands-on mahi: water testing, tuna monitoring, pest control, bird translocations, and caring for Papatūānuku in every sense. For over 16 years, Te Kura Taiao has grown from a small holiday program into a living classroom where whānau, kuia, koroua, and tamariki learn alongside each other. It’s a movement of kaitiakitanga, resilience, and aroha — built on the belief that when our awa flows freely, so do our people.This story celebrates the kids, the Kaiako, and the community who make it happen — those who eat it, live it, breathe it, and love it. Now Te Kura Taiao is ready for its next journey - to become a full year round Kura Kaupapa and educate its hāpori the way iot knows best.