The big reno at Mārahau

If you grew up in Nelson, you’re likely to have fond memories of school camps at the Mārahau Outdoor Education Centre – and next year it is due for a big upgrade.

The centre has hosted generations of local school students for more than 35 years, as well as organisations and private groups during weekends and school holidays.

“Everyone has a Mārahau story,” Don McLean from the Mārahau Outdoor Education Trust says.

Several years ago the kitchen and dining area were upgraded, and Don says it’s now time to give the dorms a “much-needed” makeover.

The camp can accommodate up to 69 people, with one double dormitory holding 44 bunk beds and three single beds, and the other dormitory with 22 bunk beds.

The upgrade is expected to cost just under $300,000 and will include new bunk beds, insulating and relining the walls, and new toilets at either end of the dorms so there will be no more middle-of-the-night trips outside to go to the toilet.

There are also plans for new staff accommodation including a private shower and toilet, new windows, and heating so the camp can be used all year round.

So far, they have raised around $130,000 with grants received from Network Tasman Trust, Lotteries and Tasman District Council. To help fund the shortfall they have set up a Givealittle page and are asking the community to help future-proof the camp by donating.

Don says the camp is volunteer-run and includes a “great team” of principals and teachers from around the region who all pitch in at regular working bees.

“It is run purely by volunteers, and we just want to keep it going.”

Don, who has been on the trust for 15 years, says the upgrades will be done in stages and they hope to start work in 2025.

“It’ll be wonderful.”