The Challenge
Right now, our young people
are struggling.
Anxiety, depression, and stress are on the rise, and traditional systems aren’t keeping up. Young people need safe, calm spaces where they can breathe, reflect and reset.
That’s what Wharerama Pods offer.
These nature-inspired sensory spaces are designed to help students regulate emotions, reduce stress, and cultivate mindfulness for improved wellbeing and focus.
The Research
Youth populations worldwide are caught in a booming mental
health crisis. The 2024 World Happiness report found a steep decline in the mental wellbeing of youth, and New Zealand research paints a similar picture.
It’s a crisis that is only getting worse, and we can’t afford to wait for the mental health system to catch up.
The Solution
Wharerama Pods
Wharerama Pods are calm, carefully crafted spaces designed for one thing: helping young people feel safe, grounded, and supported.
Placed in schools and community settings, each pod provides:
• A quiet place to reset, that uses nature and the five senses to deactivate heightened emotion
• Space to practise mindfulness, de-escalate anxiety, and get support
• A safe zone that is free from judgement or stigma
• A setting that honours cultural identity and emotional wellbeing
• A tangible, practical tool to support the mental health system
Designed with input from rangatahi and professionals, “Wharerama” means lighthouse — a beacon of hope and safety through the storms of life.
Our Aim
We are working to fund anddeploy a pilot Wharerama Pod for students of St Thomas College of Canterbury. The visionary principal, Steve Hart, is already promoting neuroregulation in his school culture, making this school the ideal place to start.
Our ultimate aim is to introduce the pods to other
schools around Aotearoa. We will be undertaking a longitudinal study and will share our learnings for the benefit of other schools and young people across the country.
Practicality is top of mind and each pod will be value engineered as much as possible to be pre- fabricated, use efficient construction methodology and display high use of natural materials.
How you can help
Your support can make an immediate and lasting difference.
Co-fund our first pod
– 50 donations of $10,000 each will fully fund the design, build, and placement.
Become a Friend of Wharerama
– Any amount supports this work.
Help in kind
– Provide building supplies, landscaping materials or labour.
Every contribution brings a calm space closer to a young person who needs it.
Supporters so far…
