KŌWHAI GROVE

Kōwhai Grove is Outdoor Therapy in a small group (up to nine participants who are the same gender as
you) designed to support emotional wellbeing, reconnection, and healing, through time in nature.

Grounded in trauma-informed and nature-based therapeutic approaches, this eight-week programme offers gentle, restorative experiences outdoors. Each week, we visit a different natural location around Ōtautahi Christchurch, engaging in simple practices such as mindful walking, nature connection activities, creative expression, or quiet reflection. Some weeks might include also include options such as immersing yourself (or just your feet!) in water for a swim, getting your hands in the soil through gardening, exploring with orienteering, or simply noticing the textures, smells, and sounds of the environment around you — all ways of coming back to your body and the present moment.

Research shows that spending time in natural environments can reduce stress, support nervous system
regulation and improve mood, especially when paired with gentle movement and supportive human
connection.

Each session begins and ends with a facilitated group circle. Conversations will explore weekly themes
related to self-awareness, self-compassion, connection, and growth — always at your own pace, and
always with choice and care at the centre.

We provide a shared morning tea and all materials needed.

Transport is optional — you can meet us on-site or travel with us from the Adventure Specialties Trust office in Woolston.

No outdoor experience is needed — just a willingness to be present, as you are.

Kōwhai Grove is a trauma-responsive programme for clients of ACC’s Sensitive Claims Service (SCS).

The kaupapa/purpose is:

• To support individuals on a gentle journey of restoring wellbeing after trauma
• To nurture a sense of hope and possibility around living a more connected and fulfilling life
• To explore simple, nature-based ways of easing the impacts of anxiety, low mood, and trauma that come with PTSD
• To experience calm, grounding time in nature through gentle activities in Ōtautahi Christchurch
• To reflect on themes of life, healing, and wellbeing in an open, safe, and supportive group setting
• To foster meaningful connection with others in a way that feels respectful and at your own pace
• To experience the proven benefits of spending time outdoors — including reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep, and greater emotional regulation — through gentle movement and connection with the natural world.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Our Kōwhai Group is open to people who are clients in ACC’s Sensitive Claims Service (SCS). You must be in regular counselling/therapy with an SCS Lead Provider, with a Support to Wellbeing Plan in place. Your Lead Provider will have helped you to establish goals for therapy, and you are looking for a safe supportive environment to practice and develop these skills.

REQUIREMENTS

To participate in this group, you will need to have a basic level of physical mobility (e.g. moving safely on uneven ground). You will need to be able to attend independently, without a caregiver or support person. You will also need to feel comfortable managing your own needs throughout the day.

You need to be willing and able to commit to attend all eight sessions (with exception to illness and
exceptional circumstances). Group conversations are an important part of this course, so you need to
be willing to contribute to this aspect of the programme.

All participants will need to complete an enrolment form that includes giving medical info and consent. It is important to us that you have a state of physical and mental health that allows for safe participation in this programme. This will allow our facilitators to choose appropriate activities for the group and support individuals accordingly.

RESTRICTIONS

While we are able to accommodate many physical constraints, we are unable to accept participants with severe medical conditions or injuries that pose a risk for engaging in outdoor adventure activities.

Additionally, we cannot accept individuals with a history of perpetrating sexual abuse, those currently experiencing psychosis, or those who are unable to understand and follow basic safety instructions due to intellectual ability or psychological state. We are also unable to accept individuals who are actively suicidal, experience strong and frequent suicidal ideation, or pose a potential risk to others.

DATES:

Kōwhai Grove (Christchurch) is a day programme, which means that we meet up one day each week over 8 weeks, during the school term.

Please see the Upcoming Programmes section further down for specific dates.

WHAT TO EXPECT EACH DAY:

LOCATION:

We will meet at Adventure Specialties Trust, 71 Bamford Street, Woolston.

Meeting location:

We will meet at Adventure Specialties Trust office at 71 Bamford Street, Woolston.

(If you would rather meet us at the activity location, that’s totally fine, please let us know)

Activity locations:

We will do a different beginner-friendly activity every week. All of the locations are in Christchurch and we will let you know ahead of time where we are going, what we will be doing and what you need to bring (if anything).

You will be in safe hands with our wonderful crew of caring, highly experienced staff. Each Kōwhai Grove programme will be facilitated by:

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Our Adventure Therapy Clinicians are qualified Mental Health Professionals (either Social Workers, Psychotherapists, or Counsellors) and Registered with ACC to work within the Sensitive Claims Service. They get to know you before your programme, learn what support you might need while you’re with us, and look after your mental and emotional wellbeing on programme. Check the Kowhai Grove (Christchurch) webpage to find out who will be on your programme.

OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR
We have a team of qualified and highly experienced Outdoor Instructors, one of whom will join you on this Kowhai Grove programme. While our Mental Health Professional is looking after your mental and emotional well being, our Outdoor Instructor will look after your physical wellbeing and safety. All our instructors are trained and deployed to meet rigorous safety standards, which are externally audited by Adventure Mark and approved by WorkSafe New Zealand.

2026 FACILITATORS

Our Kōwhai Grove (Christchurch) programme will be staffed by:

• Anneke Beardsley, a qualified mental health professional with a Masters in Social Work and over 15 years experience working with young people and families.
• Anna, an experienced outdoor instructor.

Read more about Anneke and Anna further down this page or on the Our Team webpage.

ADVENTURE SPECIALTIES TRUST

At Adventure Specialties Trust, we believe that the Great Outdoors is a powerful tool for holistic development and wellbeing. Read more about Adventure Specialties Trust on the About Us webpage.

VISSER & ASSOCIATES

For the Revive (Christchurch) programme, we have partnered with Visser & Associates, a social services provider in Christchurch who provide ACC services to assist in healing and recovery from the experience of trauma. Read more about Visser & Associates.

SOLUTION-FOCUSED FACILITATION

Our conversations and facilitated discussion in this programme are guided by the model of ‘Solution-Focused Brief Therapy’. Contrary to what the name suggests this is not about the facilitators offering solutions. It is more about a model of thinking that is more forward-focused. We focus on where you want to go and the skills and strengths you have to get you there. We don’t go delving into people’s deep personal past or analysing problems. We focus on movement towards your goals, whatever they might be.

GROUP VS INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

This service is designed as a group programme, however there will also be some individual support. You will meet individually with one of our facilitators prior to starting the programme to get to know each other, we can understand your hopes and goals for the programme, and you can ask any questions you have about the programme. We aim to work collaboratively with your Lead Provider, so that together we can ensure that this programme is helpful for you.

WE EACH KNOW OURSELVES BEST

It is important for us to acknowledge that any person knows themselves, their situations and their challenges the best. We honour that and facilitate conversations rather than telling people what to do. We do not presume to be experts or have the answers to any problems. We are not there to assess, diagnose or prescribe solutions. We are simply here to facilitate an experience where you can connect with nature, connect with yourself and others, reflect on your life and experiences with the goal of moving towards your own goals.

CHOICE-BASED PARTICIPATION

Gentle exploration is part of the Kōwhai Grove Outdoor Therapy Group — not to test your limits, but to support healing, self-awareness, and reconnection with your body. Each place we go and each activity we do may bring up something different for different people. We honour choice, consent, and pacing.

You’re always encouraged to listen to your body and emotions, and to participate in the way that feels right for you. For some, this may mean walking a little further, or trying something unfamiliar. For others, it may mean sitting quietly, observing nature, or simply showing up. What matters most is that you feel safe, seen, and empowered to make your own choices.

We’ll always do our best to offer flexible options, and clearly communicate when some choices may not be possible due to safety or logistics.

A FOCUS ON NATURE CONNECTION

This programme is an opportunity to take more time in the day to connect with nature rather than just move through it. We look for opportunities to experience joy, awe, wonder, and curiosity about our world and our place in it.

On a daily basis we will go to a different environment and do an activity there. We may also do some
activities specifically to connect with nature – maybe a mindfulness walk, or doing some art pieces or
sculptures with nature, or any other ways of connecting in a relationship with nature.

SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

First and foremost, it is a priority that that this group is a safe and supportive environment for all people.

Obviously in outdoor activities the physical safety is important! We have qualified instructors and a safety management system that is audited and registered with Worksafe NZ, and we need people to follow our safety rules.

‘Safe’ also means emotional safety. This means we take time to build a culture where sharing is ok and
encouraged by others. Where respect is really important and intentionally built upon on the group.
It also means the safety to be yourself no matter which culture, gender, sexuality, profession, age or
personality you have. We put significant time and energy into building a group environment with healthy dynamics and healthy relationships.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about any part of our approach, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Anneke, the Revive programme co-ordinator and Clinical Lead (go to: Contact Us).

FOR INDIVIDUALS (SCS CLIENTS)

If you think Kōwhai Grove (Christchurch) might be a good fit for you, please let your ACC Lead Provider know and they can start the enrolment process.

FOR ACC LEAD PROVIDERS

Please see the information in the Enrolment Process section for information about completing the enrolment form and applying to ACC for a purchase order. This section has sample letters that you can use in your application to ACC.

QUESTIONS?

If you would like to talk to someone before you start the enrolment process, please see the Contact Us section below.

Our Taha Tinana allows us to feel healthy, energetic, motivated, and physically capable of pursuing activities that bring joy, connection, and satisfaction to our days. 

HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:

Outdoor activities challenge and strengthen our bodies, promoting fitness, resilience and confidence. Physical movement, especially outdoors in nature, supports overall health, wellbeing and energy levels.  

Taha Whānau is about feeling a sense of belonging, connection and confidence in our relationships with others. It includes a belief that people can be kind, trustworthy and safe, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with others. 

HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:

Adventure builds teamwork, trust and belonging. Shared challenges strengthen relationships and provide a supportive space for growth, healing and connection.  

Our Taha Hinengaro allows us to feel balanced, hopeful, and positive about the future, with the capacity to navigate life’s challenges and celebrate its joys while nurturing a sense of self-compassion and self-worth. 

HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:

Time in nature reduces stress and enhances mental clarity, emotional resilience and self-awareness. Adventure activities encourage participants to challenge themselves which helps them develop courage and self-confidence.

Taha Wairua is about feeling a strong sense of self, identity, and connection to our faith, beliefs, culture, values, and purpose. It provides a foundation of meaning and direction. 

HOW THIS LOOKS IN THE OUTDOORS:

Being outdoors in nature fosters a sense of wonder, connection and purpose. Outdoor experiences deepen spiritual awareness, whether through faith, nature or personal reflection.  

Te Whenua is the foundation of Te Whare Tapa Whā. Connection to Te Whenua is about a sense of belonging in te taiao, the natural world, and drawing on that connection to support our wellbeing. It includes experiencing awe and wonder in natural spaces, fostering a sense of responsibility to protect and care for the Earth.  

If you’re not sure whether Kōwhai Grove would be suitable for your ACC Sensitive Claims Service client, please read our brochure or contact Anneke, our Clinical Lead, if you still have questions.

Anneke Beardsley (office@adventurespecialties.co.nz or 027 397 3057)

If you feel confident that your client meets eligibility criteria and is committed to participating in the Kōwhai Grove programme, please complete the online enrolment form (alongside your client). This form is can take 30-40 mins to complete.

Link to enrolment form

If you feel confident that your client meets eligibility criteria and is committed to participating in the Kōwhai Grove programme, please complete the online enrolment form (alongside your client). This form is can take 30-40 mins to complete.

Link to enrolment form

The next step is to apply to ACC for approval and get a Purchase Order for your client.

See below for a sample letter with goals and rationale for Outdoor Therapy programmes.

PURCHASE ORDER DETAILS:

Clinician: Anneke Beardsley (ACC provider: PAQ155)

Supplier: Martin Visser / Visser & Associates (ACC supplier: G09948)

Hours needed: SCSGTTx1 and SCSGTx32

SAMPLE LETTER:

I am writing to request approval for (YOUR CLIENT)’s participation in the ‘Kōwhai Grove’ Trauma-
Responsive Outdoor Therapy Group Programme, 32 hours, over eight weeks.

Facilitated by Adventure Specialties Trust, this programme is a therapeutic approach adjunct to the regular counselling that my client has with me as their Lead Provider as part of the support to wellbeing stage of therapy.

(Client’s Name) and I believe that this nature-based group therapy will provide her/him/them with an opportunity to make progress towards their therapeutic goals. This Outdoor Therapy programme will complement our talk therapy by incorporating components from Eco-therapy, Somatic, Movement and Body based therapies. The group setting is particularly useful for participants to learn from each other and hear other perspectives on recovery.

‘Kōwhai Grove’ will allow them to have positive experiences in order to gain a more positive relationship with their body. To build peer connections in a small group, and experience a sense of belonging and connectedness. To practice using regulating and self-soothing skills in order to reduce intrusive symptoms. To grow their sense of empowerment, self-awareness and self-worth. To build confidence going to new places with new people, and to engage more in their local communities. To engage with the playful and curious side of themselves and feel a greater sense of hope for their future.

This programme will specifically support my client’s own goals in the following ways:

THERAPEUTIC GOALS:

This programme is designed to support people as they continue with their individual therapy. The group setting is particularly useful for treatment goals that require rehearsal in a social context.  It provides a setting where participants can learn from each other and hear other perspectives on recovery.  Adventure Therapy can be really helpful for recovering from some of the mental injuries resulting from sexual violence.  Below we have identified some of the goals that clients might have:

IMPROVE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Feel less alone and reduce isolation
Accepting Help and Support from Others
Learn to trust others. Become more able to get out and about and feel safe around strangers
Connecting with people with similar experiences and/or interests
Connect with other Women
Connect with other Men who have had similar experiences
Meet new people
Develop social relationships in a healthy environment (ie not connected to drugs and alcohol)
Improve social capabilities including conversation
Broaden tolerance for close proximity to others

RECONNECT TO SELF
Self-care, Self-compassion, Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Not striving for perfection at a cost to my health
Time for self (away from those who are parents or have jobs where they care for others)
Re-learn to trust myself
Remember who I was and How I used to be
Find myself again
To like, and even love myself
Rebuild power after many years of being powerless
Re-frame self-talk
Gain a sense of accomplishment
Challenge myself, and get out of my comfort zone to increase my self esteem
See myself in a more positive light

IMPROVE PHYSICAL WELLBEING
To be Healthier
To feel stronger in myself
Be active
Use healthy strategies and habits to stay well
Finding Balance e.g. not over-sleeping or over-eating.
Find healthier strategies
See physical improvement

IMPROVE CONFIDENCE
Build confidence
Rebuild confidence and efficacy
I’m ready for a new challenge

DESIRE FOR ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES
Take part in Mood Improving Activities
Explore and discover things that bring joy
Physical activity for my mental health
Participate in healthy strategies for managing “funk”.
Find energy and motivation
Help keep thoughts of the past at bay
Physical activity to distract from overthinking
Reconnect with activities that I used to love

REDUCING ANXIETY
Leaving the house
Relax a bit more in a group of strangers who don’t know my story

OPPORTUNITIES TO PRACTICE STRATEGIES LEARNED IN THERAPY
(CONFIDENCE TO RECONNECT WITH COMMUNITY)
Become more aware of Triggers
Practice Reflection
Practice strategies around coping with hypervigilance
Practice setting small goals
Socially practice being my authentic self
Practice verbalising what’s happening for me, expressing myself and being honest with the group
Practice assertive communication
I want to experience feeling safe enough to share how I’m feeling
Practice approaching, rather than ignoring my emotions
Learn how to Connect with Nature for calming
Practice being around strangers who might ask me questions
Practice setting boundaries around relationships
Trialling being around people and trusting that they will understand if I’m emotional or low energy
Learn more grounding techniques

FIND A SENSE OF PURPOSE / WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE
Find meaning and purpose
Feel more motivated and alive

RECONNECT TO THE ENVIRONMENT / THE OUTDOORS / NATURE / SPIRITUALITY
Connect with land and with nature
Be outside
Strengthen my Wairua
Strengthen my Mind, Body and Soul
Re-write some more positive stories about being in the outdoors

Once we have received both your enrolment form and the purchase order from ACC, we will get in touch to confirm your client’s place on the next available Kōwhai Grove (Christchurch) programme.

The next step is that your client will have a one-on-one meeting with our Christchurch clinician, Anneke. She will contact your client directly for this. You (or your client’s support person) are welcome to be part of this meeting.

We will chat with your client about the Kōwhai Grove programme and answer any questions they might have about the day-to-day logistics of the programme, plus we will ask your client what they hope to gain from the programme. We will ask your client how we can best support them while they are on programme with us, and we will discuss the information provided in their enrolment form.

Once your client’s place on the programme is confirmed, we will give you both details about timing, location, what to bring, etc. We can support them with anything they might need help with.

If you have any questions about Kōwhai Grove (Christchurch) or the enrolment process, please contact us.