The Nurture School
MeaningfulLearningthroughNature
Meaningful Learning Through Nature and Connection
The Nurture School grew from a belief that meaningful connection is the foundation for great education and has been supported by KNECT through governance, project support, fundraising and shared community wellbeing goals.
Grounded in the Buller landscape,The Nurture School draws on international best-practice to provide nature-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, resilience and environmental stewardship.
KNECT’s ecological expertise help strengthen the programme’s environmental learning, connecting students with real-world science, restoration and biodiversity initiatives within the wider Buller landscape.
Over the past two years, the programme has had a strongly positive impact for many attending children and whānau, reflected in feedback from parents and caregivers.
“I feel like I picked up a different child today. Never in any of my kids’ schooling has a pickup been like this. My child was absolutely beaming… so eager to tell me everything they did.”
The Nurture School demonstrates how community-led education initiatives can strengthen wellbeing, deepen connection to the natural environment and support the development of future guardians of te taiao.
Founder, Head Teacher and KNECT Trustee Pat Griffin says:
“I’m committed to working alongside whānau, rangatahi and communities to co-create an education system that honours every learner, strengthens communities and empowers the next generation to build a just, sustainable and compassionate Aotearoa.”
Questions and Answers
KNECT provides the governance and project framework supporting the school, including financial management, fundraising support and hands-on involvement in developing the learning environment itself, from the classroom space to trails and restoration work across the site.
Nature serves as the teacher, with learning grounded in real-world experiences, exploration and connection. The programme draws on international best practice while remaining deeply connected to the Buller landscape, local community and environmental values.
The Nurture School welcomes students of different backgrounds, abilities and learning styles. The environment is designed to be particularly supportive for neurodiverse learners, offering small group learning and meaningful connection in a calm outdoor setting.
The Nurture School supports a growing vision for education that strengthens wellbeing, environmental connection and community resilience. By helping young people build confidence, practical skills and a sense of guardianship for the natural world, the programme contributes to the long-term social and environmental wellbeing of Buller Kawatiri.
The Nurture School is a nature-based learning programme for students in Years 4–8 based near Westport.
Learning is grounded in hands-on, real-world experiences in the natural environment, combining practical and academic learning with values that benefit both people and the planet. The programme supports children to develop confidence, resilience, connection and a strong sense of place.
You can read more on the Nurture School website.
The programme operates from a native bush setting at Virgin Flat near Westport. The site includes forest, waterways and rich biodiversity, creating a living classroom where students can learn directly through interaction with the natural environment. Students are protected during inclement weather by their classroom yurt.