Strong Voices

It was an action-packed 24 hours for a group of families with children with intellectual disability at Whenua Iti Outdoor Education Centre in the Tasman District.

Towards the end of 2025, six families raising children with intellectual disabilities met for a family camp at Whenua Iti Outdoor Education Centre.

The camp was an initiative of IHC’s Community Programmes team with Whenua Iti and funded by generous IHC donors.

This first family camp was a pilot created to give families a supported outdoor adventure. “We’re now looking at what partners we could work with in the future to facilitate others around New Zealand,” says IHC Member, Events and Relationship Manager Danette Wilson.

Among those attending this first camp was Ma’ao Vaireka and his family. Ma’ao’s eldest daughter, Tatiana, has Williams Syndrome. Although the family weren’t quite sure what to expect, they arrived on a bright Saturday morning to find their tents already set up and waiting.

“All the hard work was done before we even got there,” Ma’ao laughs.

One by one, the other families arrived. The programme began with a whanaungatanga ice-breaker – an energetic ‘mix and match’ challenge designed to help parents and children meet each other in a relaxed way.

“It really worked,” Ma’ao says. “It helped us forget ourselves a bit, loosen up and just enjoy getting to know each other.”

Then it was off to Kaiteriteri Beach for sea kayaking. Parents teamed up, unloading kayaks and holding boats steady while the children got into their safety gear. It was in these small practical tasks, Ma’ao noticed, that parents naturally began to connect.

“We were all helping each other – floating the kayaks, getting the kids settled. It just happened,” he says. “Those little moments opened the door for bigger conversations later.”

For Tatiana, it was a first.

“She’d never been in a kayak by herself,” Ma’ao says proudly. “But she loved it. She went a long way out with the others, and they were all encouraging each other the whole time.”

After kayaking, the group split into teams to build inflatable rafts – another chance for some teamwork and a lot of laughter. Despite the full schedule, Ma’ao says the day never felt rushed.

“Everyone was so laid back. We were busy, but it was good busy. Fun busy.”

There were plenty of firsts for some of the children with intellectual disabilities, who were able to push themselves and achieve goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Ma’ao says the unique strengths of siblings stood out. “When kids have a sibling with intellectual disability, they instinctively know how to act around other kids with intellectual disability. It’s natural for them and it makes everyone feel accepted.  

Back at camp, families gathered for a catered dinner before the children went to play an evening game of volleyball. For parents, it was one of the richest parts of the weekend.

“Everyone started talking about their experiences accessing funding, navigating supports, what the journey with their child had been like,” Ma’ao recalls. “We all had the same story really. Just different places and different stages.”

The night wound down with everyone toasting marshmallows over the fire.

Would Ma’ao and the family return to Whenua Iti?

“For sure!” says Ma’ao. “Absolutely!”

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Image: Sea kayaking at Kaiteriteri Beach.