Kahunui
St Cuthbert’s College offers students a remarkable experience at its remote campus, Kahunui.
Located on a 117 hectare property in the Bay of Plenty, Kahunui is based on the concept of learning through experience. Kahunui aims to advance the academic and social development of Year 10 students, and to help them develop greater levels of physical, emotional and intellectual fitness. Students live in a supportive community for approximately four weeks.
Kahunui – means ‘the Big Hawk’ in Maori.
This is a well chosen name for St Cuthbert’s new remote campus. This independent bird is a wonderful sight as it soars over the surrounding land - an image of freedom. The Kahunui programme will provide opportunities for students to experience this sense of independence and to see life from a different perspective.
The Directors
To lead this exciting campus, St Cuthbert’s College has appointed Christine and John Furminger as the Co-directors of Kahunui.
They are both passionate and highly competent in a wide range of outdoor pursuits. As experienced teachers their careers have meshed these two dimensions and focused on the field of experiential education. Prior to their appointment to Kahunui they co-directed the Tihoi Venture School.
The Site
Bordered by the Waiotahi River on one side and lying in the warmth of the north-west sun, Kahunui is backed by the beautiful podocarp forest of the Kahikatea Range.
The site has a long history of human interest. This area was known as ‘the only way out’ for the Tuhoe people moving through Arawa lands to the coast for trading.
Learning
Experiential learning is a proven way of encouraging young people to develop resilience, independence and teamwork. Life at Kahunui will strengthen personal, community and social values and help prepare our exceptional young women to learn, grow and succeed in all spheres of life.