In Terms 1 and 4, our whole school takes part in learning in our Bush School in the breathtaking native bush known as Pattinson's Bush, which offers a unique and enriching educational experience. With equal value placed on practical learning and the values of Te Ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori, we foster a deep connection to the land, care for our native forest, flora, and fauna, and develop a wide range of practical skills.

Caring for our native forest is at the core of our Bush Curriculum. Through hands-on activities, students become kaitiaki (guardians) of the land, actively engaging in conservation efforts, and enjoying our time in the bush setting while making sure we only have a positive impact. Our students embody the values of manaakitanga (respect) and whakapapa (ancestral connections) as they nurture the forest, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The practical skills acquired in the bush are highly valued at Kumeroa School. Students learn a wide range of skills, including navigation, shelter-building, foraging, fire-building and cooking, and weaving and arts using natural materials found in the forest. These hands-on experiences foster resilience, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency. Our students develop a profound sense of self-reliance and gain practical knowledge that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Our bush school at Kumeroa School provides an extraordinary educational journey. Students develop a deep connection to the land, care for our native forest, flora, and fauna, and acquire practical skills. Here we embark on this transformative adventure of practical learning, cultural enrichment, and environmental stewardship. In the bush, we cultivate a generation of empowered learners ready to make a positive impact in the world.