Nau mai, haere mai ki ĀTA Adventure Therapy Aotearoa
ĀTA Grant Applications open until August 31st
We are pleased to announce that the next round of ĀTA grants is open
The ĀTA Adventure Therapy Aotearoa Grant was established in 2020 by Adventure Therapy Aotearoa Inc. for members of ĀTA.
The grant recognises the achievements and potential of adventure, nature, and experiential based therapy practitioners by providing an opportunity to undertake research or professional development within New Zealand Aotearoa or internationally.
The purpose of this grant is to promote development in the field of adventure therapy. This will be done by financially supporting either the professional development of established practitioners or supporting individuals taking on research in the adventure therapy field, to benefit the collective knowledge of The Adventure Therapy community in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A maximum of NZ$2000 a year; confirmed at the absolute discretion of the leadership group annually as funds allow, will be available to be distributed amongst successful applicants. If there are multiple applications please be aware that the panel may make the decision to fund part of the amount you have requested.
This year we have opened the grants in time to support people to attend the ĀTA conference. Application outside of this that match the grant application will also be considered.
Please go to the members section for a grant application or email Kelly kelly.ohagan.ata@gmail.com
Call for Workshops, Presentations & Stories
Inspire others, contribute to the growth of our community of practice and deepen connections with people across Aotearoa.
We warmly invite proposals for workshops, presentations, kōrero, experiential sessions and stories that connect with our conference kaupapa:
Te Taiao. Ngā Tāngata. Āta.
for more information please email adventuretherapyaotearoa@gmail.com
Ko wai mātou – Who we are
ĀTA (Adventure Therapy Aotearoa) is a national networking association dedicated to weaving together a community of practitioners who use Nature and Adventure- based approaches in their therapeutic mahi.
ĀTA encourages best practice and fosters collaboration, learning, and growth within the field across Aotearoa.
Our Kaupapa
Whakawhanaungatanga
To build and strengthen connections between Adventure, Nature, and Experiential- based Therapy practitioners across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Tautoko
To support the development of safe, ethical and quality practice.
Whakamana
To increase the visibility and credibility of Adventure, Nature and Experiential- based Therapeutic approaches within the wider community.
Ako
To support ongoing learning, training, and professional (or community) development
Mahi Tahi
To foster collaboration, research, and evaluation – bringing together academics, practitioners, whānau, and those with lived experience.
He Aha – What is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure Therapy uses meaningful outdoor experiences and time in te taiao to support wellbeing, and personal growth. It blends therapeutic practice with the healing power of the natural world, helping people build confidence, whanaungatanga, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
Practitioners work safely and intentionally, tailoring the experiences to the needs of individuals and groups. Adventure Therapy can support rangatahi, adults, whānau, and communities across many contexts, from education to mental health and social services.
Our Whānau
ĀTA provides a waka for people from diverse professions to come together, share knowledge, and explore ways of practicing. What unites us is a curiosity and willingness to walk alongside others with clear intention in te taiao, the natural world.
Our members are based across Aotearoa, working in many fields of practice. ĀTA welcomes all — therapists, outdoor instructors, youth workers, social workers, eco-therapists, equine therapists, psychotherapists, coaches, counsellors, and many others. We aspire to be a community that fosters whakawhanaungatanga-connection and networking at any stage of your professional journey.
Our strength lies in the diversity of our members’ practice. You do not need to be a therapist or a high-level outdoor instructor to belong here. What matters most is a willingness to work alongside people outdoors with intention, purpose, and aroha, creating a sense of connection and belonging within our waka.