The Mission Statement
Waitutu Incorporation’s vision is to see our next generation of young owners connect with their whenua in order for them to grow as one with their land.
Waitutu Incorporation will offer short programmes for our rangatahi, which will allow them to develop an understanding of the SILNA history behind the Waitutu, the role of our tūpuna and the ecological aspect of the forest so they feel part of it and want to care for it in the future.
Connecting our next generation and beyond with their whenua and nature leads to a lifelong engagement with the Waitutu forest environment, ecology and its health/wellbeing benefits so they can then become the kaitiaki of what belongs to them - the Waitutu Forest whenua and Lodge.
Waitutu Incorporation will offer short programmes for our rangatahi, which will allow them to develop an understanding of the SILNA history behind the Waitutu, the role of our tūpuna and the ecological aspect of the forest so they feel part of it and want to care for it in the future.
Connecting our next generation and beyond with their whenua and nature leads to a lifelong engagement with the Waitutu forest environment, ecology and its health/wellbeing benefits so they can then become the kaitiaki of what belongs to them - the Waitutu Forest whenua and Lodge.
2025 Rangatahi Report
On 8 March, the inaugural Waitutu Incorporation rangatahi programme came to its conclusion. Six rangatahi and six leaders of the programme, flew out of Waitutu Forest after a magnificient four days. We walked the tracks, immersed ourselves in the Forest, connected with the whenua, the awa and the moana. Collected kai moana, wove harakeke and developed an understanding of "how did we get this land and how will we care for it in the future".
What did you get out of these four days - from the voice of the rangatahi.
Evan:- Lifelong relations
Charlie: A change in mindset about 1080 and the DoC mahi.
Mika: New experiences and being immersed in the surroundings. I want to connect more with my Iwi
Liam: Great to 'feel' the place. "Forest - For-rest".
Olivia: Want to keep learning and now I care a lot more.
Liah: Knowledge
Kahu: - Collecting Kina.
Evan:- Lifelong relations
Charlie: A change in mindset about 1080 and the DoC mahi.
Mika: New experiences and being immersed in the surroundings. I want to connect more with my Iwi
Liam: Great to 'feel' the place. "Forest - For-rest".
Olivia: Want to keep learning and now I care a lot more.
Liah: Knowledge
Kahu: - Collecting Kina.
2026 Rangatahi Programme - 3rd - 7th February 2026
Applications are now being received for next years rangatahi programme to be held in February. The programme will follow a similar schedule to last year, with a few recommended changes.
An updated programme will be placed on this page within the next few days.
A link to the Application Form is below. Please download the form, fill it out, scan then send it to Sue at [email protected].
Our inaugural programme last year was awesome - so, please apply and make that all important connection to your whenua.
An updated programme will be placed on this page within the next few days.
A link to the Application Form is below. Please download the form, fill it out, scan then send it to Sue at [email protected].
Our inaugural programme last year was awesome - so, please apply and make that all important connection to your whenua.
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Waitutu Forest Lodge
Email: s[email protected] Phone: Lodge Manager - +64 (0)21 337 448 Waitutu Incorporation Main Office Ashton Wheelans Email: [email protected] Phone: +64 03 366 7154 |
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