Setting the Tone for the Year Ahead
Across every age group, the 2026 Holiday Programme was intentionally designed by our Navigators to embed the core values of I Have a Dream throughout each experience.
Our 2026 Holiday Programme in January was eventful and action‑packed, even with the ever‑changing weather forcing a few last‑minute adjustments. Across every age group, our Dreamers embraced new experiences, strengthened friendships, and carried the spirit of whanaungatanga into each activity.
Sadly, for our younger Dreamers from Tikipunga Primary, Totara Grove, and Te Kura o Otangarei, the bad weather meant postponing the planned Year 6 camp at Tangihua Lions Lodge and a visit to Auckland Zoo. However, our wonderful Navigators quickly adapted and created a fun, engaging programme to ensure our tamariki still enjoyed an unforgettable week. They still managed to have action‑packed days at the Hundertwasser Art Centre, the movies, ActionZone, and the Whangārei Museum.
The Year 9 Dreamers were a mix of existing and new Dreamers transitioning into Tikipunga High School. The programme focused on whakawhanaungatanga between these two groups. Their week began with creative sessions at the Quarry Arts Centre and Te Kowhai Print Trust, where they created taonga pūoro and personal journals. This was followed by a two‑night stay at the Sir Hekenukumai Busby Kupe Waka Centre at Aurere Beach. Dreamers were immersed in mātauranga Māori as they learned about traditional navigation using a kapehu whetū, waka hourua and waka hoe, and how mātauranga is shared through taonga tākaro. On our return, the group visited Te Tōu Rangatira at Te Tī Marae in Waitangi to hono with one of the pou connected to the Kupe Waka Centre.
Year 7 and 8 Dreamers enjoyed a full schedule of activities around Whangārei and further north. A highlight was their visit to Manea: Footprints of Kupe in Opononi, where they explored stories of Te Tai Tokerau and gained a richer appreciation of our region’s cultural heritage.
Our Year 10 Dreamers had a huge week of adventure, starting with a trip to Extreme Edge ClimbZone Indoor Climbing in Auckland. They then travelled north to the Stone Store in Kerikeri and Te Ahurea living village and cultural experience. They hiked to Waiotemarama Waterfall and finished the day with some wharf jumping at Ōmāpere in Hokianga. Alongside all the travelling, they also enjoyed a private cinema screening of Avatar: Fire and Ash and a day trip to Whangaumu Bay for a relaxed outing with kai, swimming, and sunshine.
Senior Dreamers took on a high‑energy programme that blended outdoor challenges with creativity and innovation. After sharpening their cycling skills at the Pohe Island Bike Park, they travelled to Auckland for a full day at the Māngere Bike Park, Wero Whitewater Park, and an indoor climbing centre.
They wrapped up the week with a pampering session at the I Have a Dream Whare, where they joined other Dreamers for professional barbering from Fades and Braids and beautiful braiding from Moana Braids.
Across every age group, the 2026 Holiday Programme was intentionally designed by our Navigators to embed the core values of I Have a Dream throughout each experience. Dreamers returned to kura refreshed and engaged, equipped with new skills, strengthened relationships, and a renewed sense of belonging within our programme.
