Important Information

Ōtautahi Christchurch 2024

The WORD Ōtautahi key projects for 2024

Changes to WORD Ōtautahi for the upcoming season


Kia ora WORD whānau

WORD Ōtautahi has made the difficult decision to pause its Term Programmes and Holiday Camps for the remaining summer season. 

Due to current challenges and constraints we are no longer able to continue operating in the same capacity. However, we are still deeply committed to our mission and will continue to explore ways to serve the community and youth in the future. We also remain committed to delivering a couple of key projects within the Christchurch community over the next few months – more on this below.

This decision was not made lightly, and it is based on several important factors:

1. Financial pressure: As a charity, we rely on participant fees, grants and donations to start up and sustain in a region. Unfortunately we no longer have the funds to continue our operations in the same capacity. 

2.  Organisational consolidation: In order to continue to be a sustainable charity, we need to consolidate our staff efforts and resources. This includes reprioritising our focus and directing our energy towards our presently funded initiatives as well as other regions. 

3. Challenging environment: The external operating environment and circumstances have proven to be more challenging than anticipated. Financial climate for families and other competing challenges have further impacted our ability to maintain our current level of operations.

We want to express our gratitude for your ongoing support and understanding during this period! Thank you for being a part of the WORD family, and we look forward to your continued support as we navigate these changes.

In the meantime, please reach out to us if you have any questions.

Ngā mihi nui

The WORD team

We’re really looking forward to embracing change and refocusing on 2 specific projects:

  1. ‘Share the Stoke’- MTB coach and Instructor training course.

    This 2 day professional development course is designed to help schools and clubs deliver amazing MTB coaching and instruction for young people. This practical, fun, and specific training is delivered by WORD Founder Ash Peters. While Share the Stoke will not include formal assessment or certification, it is the perfect training for participants to eventually sit the NZ Mountain Bike qualification through the NZOIA MTB 1 weekend assessment or via Skills Active in your workplace.

  2. The WONDERS

    We. Only. Need. Dirt. Each other. Riding. and Snacks. 

    The WONDERS aims to develop connection, grit, and the curiosity of what’s possible. The grand finale of this 4 week programme is a 2 day overnight bikepacking trip from school to an epic campground!

    Groups of 8 young women will come together to codesign their incredible programme. Sessions included bike mechanics, food and gear planning (and packing!), bike handling skills, team building, and of course, snacks!

    Thanks to funding from Sport Canterbury,  The WONDERS is free to all participants! This is super important to us as it helps reduce the barriers for young women and girls to participate in outdoor adventures on bikes.