Pātaua Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust

Pātaua Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust (POERT) is a charitable trust offering a self-catering school camp facility outside the classroom, primarily to educational organisations and groups wanting to experience Northland’s east coast. 

Parauwanui Beach, Pātaua North and Papuni Beach, Pātaua South are separated by Te Whangarei Heads inlet which lies below Pātaua Island Recreation Reserve, where the ocean flows into the Pātaua Estuary. Pātaua offers a coastal mecca of white-water surf combined with a sheltered estuary. 

Gunson McLean have been closely involved in the Trust’s activities for the past 8 years, handlings its financial matters. Craig Gunson is also the treasurer. 

POERT was established in 1979 with a focus on serving financially-challenged schools and communities, addressing a significant need by offering an affordable, high-quality venue for current and future generations. 

The Trustees generously contribute their time and resources. They are a diverse group with complementary skills, united by a shared commitment and deep desire to enhance the lives and futures of young people. The adopted values that drive those involved are: 

• Lifelong learning: innovation, inquiry and curiosity 

• Respect for self and others 

• Equality: fairness and social justice 

• Inclusion: Diversity, participation and cooperation 

• Respect for, and collaboration with, mana whenua 

• Promotion of Te ao Māori

• Enhancing and enriching lives through opportunities and learning 

• Passion for life and learning 

• Integrity and dependability 

• Confidence and humility 

• Sustainability and resilience 

After 40 years, the facilities need an upgrade. As the total cost is expected to be in the vicinity of $4 million, a staged development is being undertaken. 

With funding of $1.8 million secured, Stage 1 is progressing: all consents have been obtained, a state-of-the-art wastewater system is being installed, ground works are completed, the kitchen has been upgraded, and temporary ablution facilities purchased. Stage 2 will see construction of a new hall, decks, accommodation cabins, rebuilding of the sports courts, and installation of an electricity supply to campers. 



Gunson McLean’s donation of time to the redevelopment has been substantial and widely acknowledged by the general community. We are extremely proud to be part of establishing such a valuable resource for the positive wellbeing and development of our young people.