Bush Farm has been an enormous success in many ways. We have grown exponentially and had a year-long waiting list for our programmes. We built robust systems, implemented an innovative inquiry-led curriculum, and built strong relationships with Ngāti Wheke, and other external stakeholders. 

 

While fees covered about 50% of our operating costs, we also partnered with some amazing funding organisations to cover the rest of our costs and attempt to get us onto a solid financial footing. We are so grateful to these partners, but unfortunately, it's just not enough to keep us going. We have simply been unable to become financially sustainable. 

 

We definitely have had no shortage of passion, and we certainly have an amazing product.  We have worked so hard at this, and I’m sorry to tell you that we exhausted our options. On closure, Bush Farm was in the best place it has ever been. It is of real value to our tamariki and community.  If you are interested, to be notified of any change of events in the 2024 year, please sign up for our Mailchimp newsletter below.

 

Katie has also recorded a final video message which you can watch here.