Meet the team
Amanda
Amanda took on the role as OSCAR Manager at the start of 2023, managing the the After School and Holiday Programmes here at Waimarino Education Trust. Moving all the way from the South Island, where she grew up.
Amanda spent most of her teen years volunteering, leading and adventuring with scouts, which pushed her to study Sustainability and Outdoor Education.
Amanda has a passion for environmental education, especially around the ocean, and is a keen paddleboarder, skier and surfer outside of work.
Faith
Faith has been a part of our team for two seasons with her first season with us spent as a kayak guide for waimarinokayaktours.
This season Faith has returned as OSCAR 2IC and Schools Admin. With a certificate in Outdoor Education from Hillary Outdoors under her belt she is the perfect person to support Amanda and help our Education Trust develop
Sarah O
Sarah started with us in the Winter of 2023 and has grown from strength to strength. She has become a very core member of our crew, and it is epic to see her passion for the outdoors grow! Sarah ‘s hobbies include, rock climbing, running half marathons, kayaking (including rolling a kayak) hiking and snowboarding!
Sarah has the very important role of securing funding for us so we can keep operating epic educational programmes for our tamariki! Sarah is alos a senior leader for the Afterschool Club, Holiday Programme and also instructs our School Education Programmes.
Charlotte
Charlotte has been with the Waimarino Group for 2 years now, she started with us as a receptionist for the Waimarino Adventure Park and has since moved into the role of Schools Administrator. In this role Charlotte builds relationships with Schools and ensures that all of our Education Trust Schoo,l Programmes operate with ease.
Charlotte helps out with the Holiday Programme, After School Club and with some Instruction! With a passion for paddleboarding she is always keen for any excuse to get out on the water!
Jess
Jess joined Waimarino Education this Winter and is also studying towards a Bachelor of Nursing!
Monique
Monique has been with Waimarino Education Trust for 4 years now and is studying towards a Bachelor of Teaching! You may also see Monique working in the Adventure Park or assisting with the Waimarino Kayak Tours from time to time.
Archie
Archie began working for us as a volunteer and when he turned 16 began working for us as a fully fledged staff member. Archie is Head Boy at Bethlehem College and is a great asset to our team!
Lisa
We only get the pleasure of seeing Lisa in the Summer holidays as she is currently studying in the South Island. Lisa loves going for a paddle and offsite adventure with our children!
Florence
Florence has worked with us for 3 years now and is also another Nurse in training, she also works part time as a care assistant.
Macy
Macy joined the team a few years ago, and believe it or not is Florence's twin! Macy is a valuable member of our team, you may also spot her in the Waimarino cafe whipping up some burgers!
Zach
Zach is a wonderful role model to our Tamariki, always ready to lend a hand and does so with a smile. Zach is currently studying Engineering at University so we only get the pleasure of seeing him during the holidays!
Sarah C
Sarah has grown from strength to strength at Waimarino Education Trust and is a valued member of our team! Sarah's favourite activity here is the Blob!
Zara
Zara has been at Waimarino Education Trust for a few years and helps out with our Afterschool Club and Holiday Programmes!
Tyron
Tyron started with us in the Summer of 2023 and enjoys playing rugby and basketball with the kids! He is a talented rugby player in his spare time!
Emily
Emily has been with us for a little over a year, and enjoys travel and has a passion for the outdoors!
Eben
Eben has also started in the Summer of 2023 and has a passion for working in the outdoors, he is a great role model for our children!
What we do
Our objective is to inspire and motivate the children of today while providing a fun, safe and stimulating environment where children feel safe and parents feel secure knowing that their children are being well cared for. To provide equal opportunities to children with the absence of discrimination. The Waimarino Education Trust OSCAR Programmes operate in accordance to standards recommended by Child Youth and Family Services and they have a CYFS Level Four Standards Approval.
The Waimarino Education Trust’s OSCAR Programmes do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, culture, gender, abilities or background. Children with individual needs are included in the programme providing that their needs can be catered for and we can continue to ensure a positive experience for all. Every effort will be made to include all children within the limits of the resources available in the programme, and the capacity of the children involved.
the beginning
The Waimarino Adventure Park opened in 1975 and has been an active part of the community ever since. Programmes for school groups and children have been part of Waimarino from the very beginning, and the Waimarino Education Trust was established in 2011 to focus specifically on providing exceptional educational programmes, after school care, and holiday programmes for school aged children. The Waimarino Education Trust now boasts a wide range of programmes for Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC), catering for school groups throughout New Zealand, and an award winning Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) programmes for the local community.
Our Mission
The Waimarino Education Trust Programmes aim to provide a safe and stimulating range of recreational activities and experiences for children aged 5-13 from all demographic and cultural backgrounds. A key focus of the programme emphasises
developing ‘our future leaders’ both mentally and physically while attempting to encompass and provide for individual needs and interests.
This is a vibrant, dynamic, and fun environment where your children will learn essential life-skills around the water, all while having a blast in the best aquatic-based playground in the Bay of Plenty.