Back in the 1960’s Te Kauri Lodge was built located between Pirongia and Kawhia in the Waikato. It’s purpose, to encourage young people to become ecologically aware. And in this, like the other aspects of what the lodge has to offer, it has been very successful in achieving what it set out to do, along with being been instrumental in steering young folk into meaningful and productive careers.
For some time now there has been talk in the media about how important it is for young folk to become career orientated and place themselves in a position of learning thus resulting in an enumerable number of organisations and learning bodies being set up through-out the country to provide “upskilling” facilities.
But does this upskilling procedure have to start by one enrolling in a formal classroom type situation? Of course not.
Its what kindles the desire to learn more in the first place that probably has the greatest influence. This can come from the most unexpected or completely obvious, the environment. Step-up Te Kauri Lodge; they have in place an educational programme that anyone can participate in.
One of those who has acknowledged the positive results for him personally by being part of one of these programs is Simon Ganley. During one of his visits to Te Kauri he heard a talk on laser technology which had just been invented. It hit a nerve for him, inspiring him to look more closely at leading edge technology resulting in Simon building, through the ensuring decades, a successful business in food manufacturing technology, Ganley Engineering.
Now its pay back time for Simon who is now an enthusiastic helper at the lodge along with a group of dedicated parents who accompany the school groups.
Recently, in addition to running the educational programmes, Te Kauri Lodge has been opened up for other groups, organisations, businesses and clubs wanting a meeting place to enjoy. It is located within a 2 hours drive of Auckland, Taupo and the Bay of Plenty BOP, sleeps 100 and is fully self contained. There are tracks, trails, streams, cliffs and spectacular bush reserves. To get a picture of what Te Kauri has to offer visit www.junats.org.nz and www.tekauri.org.nz
What kindled the desire in learning more about cutting edge technology for Simon could very well be the case for someone you know. You can reach Simon on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
