Ōtaki Summer Camp is for young people who care about political issues and ideas. It’s a chance to hear and discuss interesting ideas, meet and get to know others who care, and explore local mountains, forests and rivers with experienced guides.
Camp is geared towards people between 17 and 35 years old. If you’re older or younger, you’ll need to provide some supporting information when registering. If you have attended a previous camp you welcome again at this one, whatever your age.
Some assume young people in New Zealand don’t care about politics, yet many young people care deeply about the issues affecting Aotearoa and the world. It’s more correct to say young people have felt ignored and left out of politics.
Camp is welcoming, fun, and safe. We deliberately keep the cost as low as possible.
We ask that attendees treat each other with respect, stay for the poroporoaki/ farewell on Monday, and follow our code of conduct.
Political summer camps are not a new idea and have played an important role in New Zealand’s history.
An annual “congress” was held at Curious Cove in the Marlborough Sounds from 1949 until the 1970s. Organised by the New Zealand University Students Association, it “endeavour[ed] to obtain the best speakers in various fields of knowledge and thought.”
During the 1970s, two more influential political youth conferences were held in Ōtaki. In both cases, many of those present went on to play important roles in the life and politics of New Zealand.
In 2017/18, a group came together to breathe new life into the political camp tradition, and Ōtaki Summer Camp was born. We hope you’ll join us for the next one!
Ōtaki Summer Camp is 100% volunteer-run, by a range of people who all care about bringing people together to create positive change.
Mary Fisher
Mary is a retired Paralympic swimmer who lives in Wellington and loves all things to do with water. She’s interested in accessibility and connecting people.
Adrian Leason
Adrian is a teacher and peace campaigner based in sunny Ōtaki where he lives on an organic farm.
Nicky Hager
Nicky is a journalist and the author of a range of books covering politics, intelligence, military and environmental issues.
Ollie Neas
Ollie is a journalist and barrister living in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara with an interest in political issues.
Jenny Fisher
Jenny is an organisational and administrative magician committed to supporting the well-being of young people.
Jan McPherson
Jan is a local Ōtaki community member, with a particular interest in social justice issues.
Marion Leighton
Marion is a doctor. She combines her lifelong social activism and nutrition knowledge to nurture campers with quality kai.
Quentin Abraham
Quentin is a psychologist with a passion for community stories shared over a good coffee, often in te reo Māori.
Jenice Goveas
Jenice is a Wellington based stand-up comedian, trying science and climate change comedy. Jenice relocated from India.
Emily McDowell
Emily is particularly keen on helping get the word out about great community projects.