Te Hononga Taiao - The Nature Connection

Te Hononga Taiao is a research project that aims to examine the benefits of time in nature, including nature-based programs, for new parents. The project also hopes to identify barriers to accessing the outdoors for whanau.

Te Hononga Taiao is part of the Participatory Science Platform, funded via Venture Taranaki. The shaping of the research will be supported by the voices of the Trails & Tots community. We believe the data and findings from this project will be beneficial for the local Taranaki community of parents, as well as the wider population of whanau around New Zealand. 

Get Involved!

If you're keen to get involved by sharing your experience around connection with nature as a parent, or want to attend one of our monthly focus groups, please send us a message: trailsandtots@gmail.com

Partners & Sponsors

A huge mihi | thank you to Venture Taranaki for supporting the research project through the Participatory Science Platform - Curious Minds funding.
Click here to learn more and view other PSP Curious Minds projects.

Thank you to Sport Taranaki for providing space for us to host our focus group.

And nga mihi nui to all those Trails & Tots participants and community members who are volunteering time and experience to make the project happen. We so appreciate you!

Hiking Carrier Pack Library

As part of the funding, Trails & Tots has been able to create a hiking carrier pack library. Access to gear is a known barrier in outdoor recreation, so it is hoped that by providing free pack hire, more whanau can easily spend time outdoors. 

If you'd like to borrow a pack at one of our meet ups, please register for a meet up via the "Calendar and Registration" page and click the appropriate pack-hire section of the sign up form.

To inquire about hiring a pack outside of Trails & Tots meet ups, please send us an email: trailsandtots.co.nz

Packs Available (click below to view brand websites):
- Osprey Poco Plus     
- Kelty Journey PerfectFit
- Deuter Kid Comfort
- Littlelife S2
- Ergobaby 360 Omni Mesh *soft carrier pack
- Trail Magik Carriers