Shine and Explore

An Outdoor Adventure Programme for tamariki and rangatahi living with Spina bifida and their whānau

Supporting young people living with Spina bifida and their whānau to Shine & Explore in the outdoors.

For many young people living with Spina bifida, physical, medical and accessibility barriers can make it difficult to take part in school camps, outdoor education, swimming, camping and other ‘everyday Kiwi’ activities alongside their peers. This can mean missing out on opportunities to build confidence, friendships, independence and resilience, as well as having fun outdoors and enjoying these experiences with their whānau and friends.

Shine & Explore 2027 is a five-day inclusive outdoor adventure programme bringing together tamariki and rangatahi living with Spina bifida and their whānau for a week of adventure, connection, therapy and fun.

Following a successful pilot in 2026, the programme is returning to Mārahau, Tasman, from 18–23 January 2027.

The 2026 pilot was recognised as a Finalist in the Recreation Aotearoa Outdoor Awards 2026 – Outstanding Outdoor Programme, recognising its contribution to inclusive outdoor recreation.

Shine & Explore provides a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where young people and their whānau, can try new things, challenge themselves, connect with others and discover what is possible.

The programme includes:

• Outdoor adventures – canoeing, kayaking, climbing, paddle boarding, swimming, camping and adventures in the Abel Tasman National Park.

• Therapeutic support – physiotherapy, adventure therapy, occupational therapy, nurse specialists and child and family counselling. Pre-programme, during the programme and post-programme therapeutic support.

• Creative and social activities – circus, music, arts, sensory activities, team-building and group challenges.

• Connection and wellbeing – building friendships, confidence, resilience and support networks and respite opportunities.

The programme is designed and coordinated by our committed volunteers at the West Coast Early Intervention Trust, working alongside the Boyle River Outdoor Education Centre team, experienced therapists and local operators. With consultation, input and support from families living with Spina bifida including families who joined us in Shine & Explore 2026.

Approximately 40 participants from across Aotearoa will attend, Shine & Explore, 2027. Including 10 young people living with Spina bifida, alongside their siblings and whānau.

Keeping Shine & Explore accessible

We are working hard to secure sponsorships and grants to keep costs as low as possible for families. We also have a number of community fundraising initiatives i.e Bunnings BBQs, raffles, school fundraisers and Moana-Rose’s 3D-printed Little Critters & Fidgets. Families also contribute towards the programme costs and cover travel costs.

Donations and sponsorship help cover accommodation, adaptive equipment, accessible bathroom hire, food and activities, helping to keep family contributions low.

For families already facing additional costs associated with disability, affordability is incredibly important. We want to ensure cost is not a barrier to taking part.

We really appreciate any support you can offer to help make Shine & Explore 2027 possible for these young people living with Spina bifida and their whānau.

Together, we can help young people and their whānau create connections, strengthen supports, adventure together, build confidence and resilience, and experience the freedom and joy of being outdoors.

Together, we can help these families Shine & Explore.

Ngā mihi nui,

The Shine & Explore Team