Celebrating 25 Years of Outdoor Education on Motutapu
In early July, the Motutapu Outdoor Education Trust (MOET) celebrates 25 years of providing a unique educational experience to thousands of children from schools, organisations, and clubs across Auckland and the wider area at the Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp (MOEC).
Facility Manager Duncan Watson, who has been with MOET since 2005, shared his thoughts on the milestone: “Reaching 25 years of operation is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team and supporters. It’s an incredible achievement that reflects the lasting impact we have on the lives of so many young people”.
Located on Motutapu Island which is nestled directly behind Rangitoto Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, MOEC operates within the confines of an iconic heritage site that was originally built as a military / artillery camp between 1936 and 1938 and was fully manned during WWII. The camp is an outstanding example of adaptive reuse, preserving an important historical location that might otherwise have fallen into disrepair, it got very close.
The Motutapu Outdoor Education Trust, established in 1991, oversees the camp’s management. The camp's concession on this public conservation land began in 1999, marking 25 years of operation this year. The camp, which is 100% self-funded by the trust and its supporters, maintains the 42,000 square feet of historic buildings and land on behalf of the Crown, administered by the Department of Conservation.
MOEC provides experiential education focused on Motutapu Island's natural and historic resources. The aim is to expose young people to a variety of outdoor educational pursuits while implementing an education programme based around the island's natural environment, ecosystems, landforms, and history.
Despite challenges and disruptions posed by Auckland's weather last year, the camp successfully operated 49 camps and educated more than 4,950 primary, intermediate, and secondary-aged children during the 2023-2024 financial year.
Many schools and organizations have developed long-standing relationships with MOET, with some groups returning for over 30 years. The unique experiences provided by the team are a big part of what keeps groups coming back year after year, but it’s also the stunning ecological environment, home to many species of rare native marine and bird life.
“Camp Motutapu was one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done,” says year Luca a Year 7/8 student from Massey Primary. “On the last day I was kind of emotional knowing that I will likely never go back again”. Ethan also from Massey Primary said, “there were many things I did at the camp that I may never be able to do again. I suggest that everyone should experience what I experienced at this camp”.
Word of mouth is crucial in attracting new groups to MOEC. “Because we’ve been operating for so long, it’s now become a generational thing,” says Duncan. “Kids who came here years ago are now adults with kids of their own who are starting to come here. In fact, just last week we had a teacher approach us about moving their camp here based on a recommendation from a colleague who had attended themselves as a child.”
Motutapu Island is a Recreation Reserve, so fully accessible to the public, it is Public Conservation Land and meant to be enjoyed by all. “We are proud to be among a few trusts and organisations located here,” says Duncan. “Having a concession to operate on this public conservation land is a real privilege. While our camp is not open to the public there are tracks, beaches and natural beauty for everyone to enjoy, so long as they follow the rules and protect the islands pristine environment”.