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Frequently asked questions
Each session is a step on the journey
Built around a theme, a whakataukī, a key concept, and a slogan students take away. Click any session to see what underpins it.
Young people are welcomed into the group and begin getting to know each other through games, shared kai, and simple activities. Facilitators explain what Travellers is, why students have been invited, and what they can expect over the next ten weeks. The group co-creates expectations around respect and confidentiality.
Life is a journey
Students explore the idea that life includes ups and downs, changes, and challenges, and that no one travels alone. The group creates shared safety guidelines (kawa) and begins using personal travel diaries for reflection. A creative activity introduces the metaphor of life as a journey.
He waka eke noa - We are all in this together
Your story can change
Students create their own life maps: visual representations of important experiences, challenges, and milestones in their lives. Facilitators model safe sharing first, then students work creatively using drawing, collage, or symbols. The emphasis is on meaning-making and how they choose to understand their own story.
Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamua - We look back and reflect so that we can move forward
Feelings are clues
This session builds emotional literacy. Students learn a wider vocabulary for feelings, explore where emotions show up in their bodies, and practise recognising different emotional states. They begin connecting feelings with underlying needs of safety, rest, connection, support.
Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō te katoa - Pursue learning for the sake of everyone's wellbeing
Express yourself
Students explore healthy ways to express emotions instead of bottling them up. They learn the difference between validating and invalidating responses, and practise what supportive listening sounds like. The group experiments with physical, creative, and calming ways of releasing strong feelings.
Hurihia tō aro ki te rā, tukuna tō ātārangi kia taka ki muri i a koe - Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you
Thoughts can be challenged
This session introduces the idea that thoughts are not always facts. Students explore how thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and behaviours are connected. They learn a simple process (catch it, challenge it, change it) to build flexible, realistic thinking.
Ko au te waiora o aku whakaaro - I am the wellbeing of my thoughts
Be your own best friend
Young people explore what self-esteem is and where it comes from. Activities focus on identifying internal qualities like kindness, courage, persistence, rather than only external achievements. Students reflect on how social media, comparison, and self-talk shape how they feel about themselves.
He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai - If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive
Travel with care
Students learn about wellbeing as something they can actively look after. Using Te Whare Tapa Whā, they explore physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. They identify personal strategies for sleep, movement, creative outlets, time with others and build small, achievable habits.
He oranga ngākau he pikinga waiora - Pleasant feelings in your heart will enhance your self-worth and overall wellbeing
Build your support team
This session focuses on connection and support. Students explore what healthy relationships look like, how to communicate needs, and who they can turn to for help. They map their own support networks and practise thinking about when and how to reach out.
Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi - With your offering and my offering the people will thrive
You've got this!
The final session looks back on the journey and celebrates progress. Students reflect on what they have learned, the skills they have developed, and changes they have noticed in themselves. The group acknowledges each other's efforts and ends with a shared celebration.
Ko te pae tawhiti whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tīnā - Strive to overcome challenges and celebrate successes
Bring Travellers to your school
A 30-minute conversation about your school’s context. No pitch, just whether it’s a fit. We’ll talk through timing, staffing, and what implementation would look like for you.