Ōtaki Summer Camp is for young people who care about political issues and ideas. It is 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.
The summer camp is geared towards those who are aged between 17 and 35 years old. If you are older, or younger you will need to provide some supporting information when you register, unless you’ve attended a previous camp, then you’re welcome again at this one, irrespective of whether you are now over 35.
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 is more correct to say young people have felt ignored and left out of politics.
The camp will be welcoming, fun, and safe – we have deliberately kept the price as low as possible.
All we ask is that people treat other attendees 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.”
In 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 swimmier 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.
Hailey Xavier
Hailey is a social and community work student in Ōtepoti. They are passionate about systems change and social justice.
Ollie Neas
Ollie is a journalist and barrister living in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara with an interest in political issues.
Jenny Fisher
Jenny is a magician when it comes to organisation and admin’. She has a special commitment to 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 and combines her lifelong social activism and nutrition knowledge to nurture us with kai.
Quentin Abraham
Quentin is a psychologist with a passion for community stories shared over a good coffee and often in te reo Māori.
Éimhín O’Shea
Éimhín lives in Whanganui-ā-Tara. Their interests include issues of housing and economic justice (particularly for renters), international politics, and what a truly just transition to sustainable ways of living looks like.
Bella Gould
Bella is a grower with Crooked Vege Ōtaki & climate organiser with Generation Zero who loves creating spaces for rangatahi to thrive.
Jenice Goveas
Jenice is a Wellington based stand-up comedian trying science and climate change comedy. She relocated from India two years ago.
Emily McDowell
Emily is particularly keen on helping get the word out about great community projects.