Connection and Resilience – The 55th Field Centre Experience

With the full swing of preparations starting early, the 55th Field Centre promised to be an exceptional milestone! Building on the strong foundation established in 2023, we’ve already embraced the challenges and opportunities of coordinating this extensive experience for our largest-ever cohort of Year 10 students in 2024: 400 students, split into two weeks of 200 each. Supporting this ambitious endeavour were 90 dedicated staff members, and everyone was accommodated in eleven ski lodges on Mt Ruapehu across the two weeks.

This year, students completed a 3-day expedition either in Tongariro National Park or the Kaimanawa Forest Park; took on the iconic Tongariro Crossing; white-water rafted; and participated in adventure activities like rock climbing/abseiling or a Tyrolean traverse. We continued to build on previous success and refined aspects of the programme to further enhance student experience and engagement.

One of the most meaningful additions was the returned visit to a local Papakāinga in Tūrangi, which offered a rich cultural immersion. Unlike a traditional Marae, a Papakāinga is a living Māori community where iwi and whānau share their traditions and way of life with visitors. Students participated in mihi whakatau, and waiata, while also preparing and laying a traditional hāngi at a nearby geothermal outlet. This experience not only strengthened our students’ understanding of the land and history but also created powerful, lasting memories, by visiting sites of cultural significance and hearing the stories of the Tangata Whenua. Sam Chapman’s wisdom and storytelling once again left an indelible mark on staff and students alike.

Field Centre’s aim remains steadfast: to push our students through a packed week of adventurous activities, encouraging new connections, self-discovery, and a deeper appreciation for our environment. Despite the challenges set in 2024 our students demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully completing all major activities, including the Tongariro Crossing and the 3-day expeditions. Spirits remained high, and our young participants left with enhanced skills, lasting memories, and a great sense of accomplishment. We were blessed by incredible weather across the two weeks, which also keeps moods elevated and the mountain views pristine.

The incredible success of Field Centre is largely due to the passion, competence, and dedication of our staff. Special thanks go to Mrs. Jo Horgan for leading the complex task of catering for 500 people over two weeks, with meals rated highly by the students. Mrs. Leigh Meek provided crucial administrative support, while Mr. Chris Duncan and Mr. Stuart Mudford dedicated countless hours to gear preparation and maintenance. Without these dedicated individuals, Field Centre’s seamless operation wouldn’t be possible.

Our Year 10 students embodied our Saint Kentigern values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Love, demonstrating respect for each other and the environment; showing integrity by persevering through challenges; contributing through service projects; striving for excellence; and doing so with kindness and care.

Here’s what some of our students said about their experience:

“I absolutely loved field centre; I will cherish the memories I made with my group forever. It was challenging at times but the feeling of accomplishment after the 3-day hike made it all worth it. I enjoyed sharing a Hāngi with my group members, the cultural elements really made the experience more memorable. Field centre was truly the best camp I’ve been on, and I am so thankful for all the organisation that went into it”. Indiya Mackenzie

“For me, Field Centre was an incredible experience. I have taken away so many wonderful memories such as being hip deep in thick mud, nearly falling out of the raft and the view from on top of the mountain on the Tongariro Crossing. Most importantly, I will take with me the bond I made with those in Boomerang Lodge. It was such an amazing week, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity. A fantastic end to Year Ten”. Sienna Dillury.

Finally, a huge thank you goes to our partner organisations who make Field Centre possible:

• Adventure Specialties Trust
• Dempsey’s Buses
• Tongariro River Rafting
• Four Square Onehunga
• New World Tūrangi
• OnRoad Rentals

Here’s to an even more unforgettable 2025!

Will Gage-Brown – Head of EOTC