Our Strategy
In terms of scale and time frame we’re preparing for 7-9 camps to join Te Maru by the end of 2027. That’s our best guess right now, and what we’re building for.
Te Maru is of course still quite young as an organisation, but continuing on with our philosophy of ‘building it as we go’ – here are some key elements of Our Strategy that we’re getting on with:
People
We’re convinced that strong people = a strong organisation.
It doesn’t matter how good our strategy is, the plan will fail without a culture that supports people to implement it. With that in mind, here are some of the key priorities for us:
Staff development and wellbeing
Pastoral Care support fund for all staff
CliftonStrengths coaching across all teams
Across camp leaders programme – sharing expertise and experience
Equipping for mission
Building understanding of local camp heritage
Training partnerships
Career pathways
Succession planning
Team culture
Establish the Te Maru Way (core values, team commitments, guiding practices)
Regional and national team gatherings
Team spiritual practices
Advisory groups
Māori and Pasifika advisory
NextGen advisory
Impact Collective – an across camp ministry team for equipping, connection, encouragement, resource sharing and exploring ideas
Policies
Policies are key to helping our vision, mission and values to turn up in the world. They are the bridge between our goals and aspirations and how we do things day to day.
We might say we’re about the future, about children and young people, but it’s our child safety policies that help put that into action – it’s our HR policies that help prove we really are about people by ensuring we pay people fairly, and care for them well - and good policies certainly help us do things well.
That’s why one of our top priorities will be creating and sharing great policies –standardising them where it makes sense across our camps.
Key areas of policy focus include:
Standardising policies and procedures to bring consistency across camps
Consistent and fair approach to employment agreements, pay scales and staff accommodation
Health and Safety strategy that is consistent across camps
A balanced approach to expectations around work and service
Robust child safety practices for the protection of young people and staff
Processes
We’re working hard to implement best practices across Te Maru – bringing smart future-focused thinking into this space means that we can operate efficiently, wisely and sustainably.
We’re focusing on areas like:
Strong financial management, with robust long term thinking. This is great for stability now and for helping us see and plan for what’s ahead.
Good HR/people processes from recruitment and onboarding to training, development and fair pay structures.
Communication to keep the whole team informed, make sure everyone has easy access to the information they need and share our successes!
Developing innovative approaches to insurance, building a cohesive marketing strategy, and exploring new revenue and funding streams.
Platforms
Drawing on the best available solutions, we’re implementing fit-for-purpose systems that enhance, rather than hinder our camp operations. We want to see every staff member have access to all the information they need, anytime, anywhere. We’re currently implementing solutions to deliver the best outcomes in a range of areas:
Booking and site management
Financial systems and reporting
Payroll and employee management
Staff intranet (internal info-sharing)
Partnerships
We believe that we’re way better together, and so we have a deliberate partnership-building approach. Some key partnerships we’re pursuing are:
Churches
Working with CCCNZ to connect with local church leaders across NZ.
Creating material for church leaders that helps provide insight into the benefits of engaging with local camps – focusing on leadership development and gospel impact opportunities.
Camps
Working alongside our whole family of camps, not just Te Maru camps – supporting each other, sharing resources and learning from each other.
Service and Funding Trusts
Regular connection with leaders of key service and funding trusts within our movement, including: CCCNZ, Steward’s Trust, GC3, Pathways, Christian Supply Chain, Rally NZ, Lichfield Lands, Hillview Trust, Longview Trust.
Community
Working with our Māori advisory group to establish relationships with local iwi and support camps to do the same – exploring ways to support our bicultural commitments and practices.
Building connections with key users and community groups to explore ways to better serve those they represent. (eg. Education Outdoors NZ, Ethnic community leaders, Tandem Ministries, Alpha).
Suppliers
Finding people and organisations to work alongside who share our vision.
Looking for opportunities to engage them in skill development, mentoring programmes, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship.