Busy Days and Familiar Faces at Te Kūwaha Mātauraka

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It’s been another busy and rewarding week here at Te Kūwaha Mātauraka, with Clutha Valley School joining us onsite for their camp. I was especially excited to see this crew arrive. As a former teacher at South Otago High School, I knew many of the parents and had taught most of the older siblings of the students. It was great to reconnect, share a few stories, and see some familiar faces again, this time in the stunning Fiordland setting.

The group made the most of everything our site has to offer, from the water slide and kayaking to archery, orienteering, and boating. There was plenty of laughter, enthusiasm, and a great sense of teamwork throughout their stay. It’s always rewarding to see other schools and groups getting to experience Te Kūwaha and to watch young people enjoying the outdoors, learning new skills, and stepping a little outside their comfort zones.

Behind the scenes, there’s been plenty happening too, with lots of planning and preparation for the busy weeks ahead. The Year 10 camp is coming up quickly, and before long, we’ll have around 80 McGlashan boys back onsite. This is always one of the most anticipated events of the year, a chance for students to build resilience, strengthen friendships, and make lasting memories in one of New Zealand’s most remarkable environments.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The recent wild weather delivered a bit of a blow, with the annual fishing competition unfortunately cancelled. We were expecting over 100 people onsite. To top it off, we lost power for 36 hours, which presented its own challenges. But as it often does, Fiordland reminded us to adapt, slow down, and appreciate the simple things. My whānau and I made the most of it, spending time together and enjoying the peace that comes when the world goes a little quieter.

As we head into the next few weeks, it’s exciting to see Te Kūwaha continuing to grow and be used by such a wide range of schools and groups. The energy and enthusiasm that visiting students bring to the site remind us why this place is so special. Whether it’s through kayaking on the lake, exploring the bush, or sharing stories around the campfire, Te Kūwaha Mātauraka continues to be a place where learning, adventure, and connection come together.