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The Nature Education Network

The Nature Education Network: Home of The Natural Phenomena Conference.The Nature Education Network:  This is the first and only “Nature Education” Conference to be held outdoors in New Zealand.
The Nature Education Conference 2023, 17th – 19th November at Redwood Valley Farm (814 Allport Road, Paengaroa).

If you’re passionate about connecting children with the natural world and deepening your understanding of connecting children with nature, join us for inspiration and collaboration.
In a time when screen time is valued higher than being in nature and where we have a tendency to wrap our children in cotton wool, we offer opportunities for like minded people to connect, network and learn from the wisdom of each other and nature.
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The Nature Education Network Conference 2023
Programme
Nature Education Network: watch what people say about the Natural Phenomena Conference

Our conference Our conference

The Nature Education Network presents a nature education conference in the outdoors.

Empowering you to bring the wonder and joy of nature to young children.
Imagine spending an entire weekend listening to world leaders and inspirational speakers. All the while connecting yourself to the beauty that surrounds you.

Join a growing worldwide movement of educators, parents, playscape designers, academics and policy makers who believe nature is a powerful teacher and experiencing risk is its ally.

Keynotes
Workshops

Nature Education Network Delegate's feedback

"My team has been attending for 7 years in a row. Being new to the team gives us all the opportunity and experience for team bonding and learning together."

"Planting the seed for a forest of change to occur in ECE and the world."

"This conference vibrated with love, thank you. I've never been moved to tears so many times!"

"A relaxed learning environment. Great meeting new people on the same journey."

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"The event has a very special feel. It is super-well organised and facilitated but alongside this professional feel there is a deep sensation of connection and love. It is clear that the organising team operate with love and respect for each other, with empathy and trust. All the things that the event itself is trying to bring to nature education. Thank you for an excellent gathering of souls."

"A worthwhile experience. Great networking and team building in a learning environment that inspires!"

"An inspiring cross between professional and personal development and an outdoor festival."

"I think the conference has made me a better person, mother and educator. It has taught me to slow down, to engage all my senses, to listen and learn from nature, others and most importantly our tamariki. I’m so thankful for the unique experience of being with such wonderful people and in such a fabulous setting. The Natural Phenomena Conference was inspiring, enriching and thought provoking, and I hope that my experience will enhance my ability as an educator. I feel very passionate that nature is a crucial part of children’s development and the conference has fueled and supported my vision to ensure all children have access to nature-based learning."

"If you want to come to a place where you learn and connect with all your senses, learn practical knowledge & skills, find joy and playful opportunities in nature, and find ways to encourage and enrich our tamariki with this way of being then The Natural Phenomena Conference is it!"

"An amazing outdoor education learning experience in the outdoors and a retreat rolled into one."

"A magical natural space to be amongst and ground oneself whilst expanding our minds and practices."

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Redwood Valley Farm

Nature Education Network Conference at location The Wild Woods

Who we areWho we are

The Natural Phenomena Incorporated Society (Charitable Trust) came together in 2009 with a vision of bringing an all-encompassing outdoor Nature Education Conference together for Early Childhood Educators, Teachers and Parents throughout New Zealand.

We are a group of committed volunteers with a variety of skills and interests but all with the underlying passion of the natural world and educating children through nature.

In 2013 we became the Nature Education Network, reflecting the incorporation of extra activities in the Nature Education field.

In 2023 we moved venues from 11 conferences held in The Wild Woods just out of Whangarei to a new venue called Redwood Valley Farm in Paengaroa between Rotorua and Tauranga.

Our main focus continues to be The Nature Education Conference, a heartfelt weekend, held in the outdoors for anyone who has an interest in connecting children with nature and making a difference in young people’s lives.

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