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Survivor-Led Healing Camp Offers Space For Connection, Culture And Wellbeing
31/08/2025
The New Zealand Collective of Abused in State Care Charitable Trust (NZCAST) is hosting a week-long Survivor Healing Camp in the Waikato this October, bringing together survivors of state care, their whānau, and supporters for a kaupapa of healing, cultural reconnection, and resilience.
The camp will provide survivors with access to holistic wellbeing tools, wānanga, and cultural activities in a safe, supportive environment. Survivors and their whānau will take part in workshops ranging from mirimiri and rongoā Māori, music and art therapy, to kayaking and ziplining, alongside facilitated kōrero and community building.
Karl , Chair of NZCAST, says the camp represents an important milestone in survivor-led redress:
“This kaupapa is about survivors leading the way in their own healing. It’s about whanaungatanga, aroha, and building the tools that survivors and their whānau need to move forward. Survivors are often asked to retell their trauma, this camp is about reclaiming joy, safety, and strength.”
Media are invited to cover the kaupapa on 7-11th, where there will be opportunities to observe selected activities, speak with NZCAST representatives, and learn about the wider work being done to support survivors of state care.
Strict protocols are in place to ensure the safety and privacy of participants. Survivors will only share their stories if they choose to.
Nathan of NZCAST, says:
“Our camp is survivor-designed, survivor-led, and survivor-protected. It’s about creating a safe space where healing is possible, while also showing Aotearoa that survivor voices and leadership matter. We welcome media to join us in highlighting the positive, powerful aspects of this kaupapa.”
About NZCAST
NZCAST is a survivor-led charitable trust working to support people abused in state care. Through wānanga, advocacy, and community events, NZCAST creates safe spaces for survivors to heal, connect, and strengthen resilience. The Trust is committed to aroha, manaakitanga, wairuatanga, and whanaungatanga in all of its mahi.
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