OUR MISSION
‘To work with schools in communities facing significant financial and social bariers, building the financial and practical bridges that give tamariki the opportunity to experience school camp at Living Springs.’
Every child deserves the chance to experience school camp.
For many children, camp is one of the highlights of their school years. It is a chance to stay away from home, try new things, spend time in nature and discover what they are capable of.
The schools Aorangi supports serve communities facing significant financial and social challenges. For some of these children, everyday life can be tough. They are often the very children who can benefit most from a few days away, with space to have fun, experience new things, connect with nature and simply enjoy being a kid.
Yet financial hardship can put school camp out of reach for many whānau. The Aorangi Sponsorship Programme helps remove that barrier, enabling children to come to Living Springs and take part alongside their classmates.
The impact goes well beyond the few days they spend here. Schools tell us they see children grow in confidence and independence, strengthen friendships, work together, overcome challenges and discover new things they are capable of.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
"The building blocks of self-esteem are belonging, learning, & contributing.
Camps offer unique opportunities for children to succeed in these vital areas & even beyond home & school.”
Michael Popkin, Ph.D. – Family therapist and founder of Active Parenting
The Aorangi Sponsorship Programme takes its name from the Aorangi School project, where the programme began.
In December 2009, Aorangi Primary School in Bryndwr, Christchurch, was closed by the Ministry of Education. Before the school closed its doors for the final time, Living Springs funded a three day camp to bring the entire school community together.
As the bus made its way to Living Springs and the children caught their first view across Banks Peninsula, they spontaneously burst into applause. For some, it was the first time they had ever seen the sea.
Following the camp, Aorangi Principal Stephanie Thompson reflected that the experience “signalled to these children that Christchurch had not forgotten them.” The camp gave the children and their families an opportunity to come together at a difficult time, creating a sense of hope for the future.
That experience became the inspiration for the Aorangi Sponsorship Programme and a commitment that continues today: helping schools in communities facing significant financial and social barriers give their children the opportunity to experience camp at Living Springs.
HOW YOUR DONATION HELPS
“This camp is more than just a trip away from school. It's an experience our children will remember for a lifetime. For many of them, it's a first time they get to stay away from home, try new activities, and challenge themselves in ways they never imagined.”
Cathy Baker, Ahuawai Bromley School, 2025
Every donation to the Aorangi Sponsorship Programme makes a real, practical difference in the lives and education of the children who receive this support.
Your donation helps cover the cost of a Living Springs camp for children from Aorangi schools. Whether you contribute towards one child’s camp, a class, or an entire school, your support helps make an experience possible that many families and schools simply could not afford on their own.
DONATE NOW
For more information on the acknowledgements available for corporate donations please contact us.
ONE CHILD
$250
Sponsoring a child through the Aorangi Sponsorship Programme covers the full cost of attending a three day camp at Living Springs, including accommodation, activities and catering.
ONE CLASS
$7,500
Sponsoring a class covers the cost of approximately 30 children attending a three day camp at Living Springs, including accommodation, activities and catering for the children and their adult helpers.
ONE SCHOOL
$22,500
Sponsoring a school covers the cost of approximately 90 children, or three classes, attending a three day camp at Living Springs, including accommodation, activities and catering for the children and their adult helpers.
Terms and Conditions for Donations and Privacy Policy | Aorangi Sponsorship Programme is a New Zealand registered charity
WHAT SCHOOLS TELL US
“For many of our whānau, attending camp would simply not be possible without the funding provided through the Aorangi Sponsorship Programme. This support significantly reduces the cost for families, ensuring all students, regardless of financial circumstances, can participate fully.”
Whītau School
“For many of our Year 6 students, this will be their first time attending camp or staying away from home. Our goal is to help them develop cooperation, communication, environmental awareness, and teamwork skills.”
Te Kura o Matarangi, Northcote School
“This camp is more than just a trip away from school – it’s an experience our children will remember for a lifetime. For many of them, it’s the first time they get to stay away from home, try new activities, and challenge themselves in ways they never imagined.”
Ahuawai Bromley School
Our Sponsors/Donors
The Aorangi Sponsorship Programme would like to thank the following sponsors
Joseph & Assocates
Dublin St Charitable Trust
Stockman Group Ltd
Halswell School
Christchurch South intermediate
Casa Construction
West Melton School
Clarkville School
Cashmere Primary
