ĀTA Conference 2026

Kei whea? Where?

WILLOW PARK CHRISTIAN CAMP

Eastern Beach / Ōkōkino Beach, Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland

Willow Park Christian Camp is a peaceful coastal camp and conference centre in East Auckland. Set within seven acres of park-like grounds and located directly across the road from the beach. 

He aha? What?

Join us for an Aotearoa-wide gathering grounded in ako (reciprocal learning), whakawhanaungatanga (building connection) and meaningful shared experiences.

Together, we learn from one another, deepen our practice, and strengthen our community.

Mā wai? Who?

This gathering welcomes anyone interested in the relationship between people, nature, experience and intentional practice in support of health and wellbeing.

It is open to those engaged in experiential, outdoor, cultural, therapeutic or nature-based practice. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space for people of all cultures, identities and backgrounds.

Our strength lies in bringing together knowledge and perspectives from a wide range of fields, including:

• Mātauranga Māori practitioners
• Cultural practitioners and knowledge holders
• Social work
• Youth work
• Counselling
• Research
• Occupational therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Education
• Forest bathing
• Equine-assisted practice
• Adventure education
• And many more

He aha kei roto? - What’s included

Registration includes:

• All meals including dietary requirements 

• Accommodation -onsite accommodation in bunk style rooms, accessible options available 

• Airport shuttle 

• Amazing keynote speakers

• Inspiring workshops & research presentations

• Cultural ako - reciprocal learning

• Experiential sessions

• Outdoor activities and excursions 

• Social evening

• Building whanaungatanga, skills & inspiration!

  Optional - Pre-conference workshops

  ĀTA are offering 2 workshops for kaimahi who work or want to work therapeutically outside with groups of whaiora. The workshops will run simultaneously so participants choose one only. 

  Friday 16th October (9am to 4.30pm)

Facilitating Therapeutic Experiences

• Learn essential elements for design and delivery of outdoor therapeutic group work 

  • Introduction to theories behind adventure and nature-based therapy

  • What ‘Adventure Therapy’ is within Aotearoa and worldwide

  • Experience how to put these theories into practice

  • The importance and application of whanaungatanga

  • How you can integrate your usual mahi into adventure therapy experiences

  
  

 Safety Planning and Managing Risk (also 9am to 4.30pm)

• The details of delivering a safe Therapeutic Outdoor Programme.  

  • Understanding the Adventure Activity Regulations and Industry Expectations of safety

  • What risks should be considered and managed for a therapeutic group work

  • The paperwork of a good Safety Management System

    Not a member yet?

    Click here to become a member and access discounted conference tickets.