About Us

I’m Robin, the founder of Grow Wild Education. I live in Kaukapakapa, with my husband and two energetic young boys. Raising my boys has shown me the profound impact of nature on children's growth.

I’ve had a deep love for nature and the outdoors since childhood. Weekends were often spent camping, off-roading, hiking, or enjoying time at the beach. When I wasn’t out adventuring, you’d find me playing in the street with friends - only heading home when Mum called out, 'dinner time!' These early experiences laid the foundation for my lifelong connection to the natural world.

My background is in Outdoor Education, with a Degree in Sport and Recreation from AUT. I completed my placement at the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre (MERC), which led to nearly 7 years of working there with a wide range of clients, including school groups, corporates, homeschoolers, and people with disabilities. I facilitated both marine and land-based activities. During this time, I also worked as a Facilitator for the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Project K programme, leading 17-day wilderness adventures for Year 10 students to help them build confidence and realise their potential.

I also contracted with outdoor education providers such as Bigfoot Adventures and Adventure Works Ltd, working across a range of one-day school programmes and multi-day camps during the NZ summers. I led a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, orienteering, mountain biking, and adventure-based learning games.

After a few months with Adventure Works Ltd, I stepped into a full-time role as Programme Manager, overseeing Project K, Duke of Edinburgh, and EOTC programmes. In my final two years, I served as Acting General Manager, taking on full responsibility for the business following my manager’s serious spinal injury.

I spent five years escaping NZ winters by working at Camp Echo Lake in Upstate New York. Starting on the Trek team, I led day trips for campers aged 7–14, then became Trek Director, planning schedules and training staff. For my final three years, I was a Trip Leader, guiding 15–16-year-olds on a 4-week cross-country adventure from Colorado to California designed to challenge them mentally, physically, and emotionally.

In recent years, I worked as Private Groups Manager for Haka Tours, designing high-end NZ tours, and as Local Store Marketing Coordinator for a BurgerFuel franchise - both roles offered the flexibility I needed while my children were young.

When my eldest turned 5, I encouraged him to join Scouts NZ as a Kaukapakapa Kea and became a Kea Leader myself in mid-2023, sharing my love of adventure and nature with young explorers.

In my free time, I enjoy outdoor adventures with my family, especially camping, whether in the bush or at the beach. Friends may actually say I have an obsession with camping!

As a mum of two boys, I’ve witnessed the powerful role nature plays in child development and feel privileged to offer a nature education programme to our local community. I look forward to welcoming your whānau on this journey!

Our Philosophy

At the heart of our approach is a deep respect for the child — their ideas, their pace, and their natural curiosity. We believe learning should be child-led, play-centered, and rooted in the rhythms of nature.

Process Over Outcome

We focus on how children learn, not just what they achieve. Our emphasis is on the process — the exploration, the mistakes, the trying again — rather than on fixed outcomes or measurable achievements. Success, for us, is in the journey, not just the result.

Unstructured, Child-Led Play

Children thrive in environments where they are free to follow their interests and instincts. Our programme’s are shaped by the children themselves, evolving with the seasons, the weather, and their imaginations. There is no rigid schedule, allowing each day to unfold organically.

The Power of Nature

Nature is our classroom, our teacher, and our toolkit. From building shelters to identifying plants, children engage in practical, hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of the world and themselves. They learn self-care, environmental stewardship, and real-world skills in a setting that invites wonder and connection.

Risky Play & Real Learning

We embrace the concept of risky play — opportunities for children to test boundaries, assess danger, and build confidence. While safety is always paramount, we understand the difference between learning injuries (bumps and scrapes that teach important lessons) and life-altering injuries (which we vigilantly work to prevent). Risk is not something to be feared, but something to be managed wisely — and something children will learn to navigate.

Development Through Play

Through unstructured, child-driven exploration, children build:

  • Cognitive skills (problem-solving, critical thinking)

  • Social development (communication, cooperation, empathy)

  • Emotional resilience (self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence)

  • Leadership and teamwork (decision-making, inclusion, contribution)

These are not side-effects of play — they are the learning.

The Role of the Staff

Our staff are not authority figures who direct, but observers who support. They prioritize safety while holding space for children’s ideas and creativity to flourish. By modeling curiosity and collaboration, they help build a community where every voice is valued and every contribution matters.

We believe that children and adults are equals in the learning process. There is no hierarchy here — everyone brings something to the table. Mistakes are welcome, and trying again is encouraged.

Every Child Counts

Every child is seen, heard, and valued. Their opinions matter, and their ideas shape our days. We foster a space where children feel safe to express themselves, take risks, and grow into capable, confident, and compassionate individuals.