The Earth Fellows programme is an initiative of the Centre for Regenerative Learning at Mangaroa Farms. It offers space for rest, reflection, and gentle contribution to select fellows each year whose work supports ecological, cultural, and social regeneration across Aotearoa. Fellows are seen as the heartwood of our learning ecosystem—anchoring wisdom into place and people.

Fellows are nominated and selected based on their lived experience and demonstrated leadership in regenerative practice. This could include mahi in land stewardship, community healing, cultural revitalisation, education, and more. It’s not about titles. It’s about depth, integrity, and contribution.

Each Fellow receives:

• A $10,000 koha in recognition of their time, energy, and presence

• A solo retreat at Mangaroa Farms for rest and reconnection

• A storytelling package (video, podcast or article)

• An invitation to a Fellows Gathering with other cohort members

Nothing is required. If and when Fellows feel resourced, they may choose to offer something back—this could be a workshop, a mentoring kōrero, a blessing, a story shared, or co-creating a learning tool. All offerings are grounded in reciprocity, consent, and mutual care.

Neither. Fellows are legally recognised as independent contractors (for compliance purposes) for the duration of their fellowship, with full autonomy over how they engage. However, in all other ways, Fellows are recognised as friends and guardians of wisdom. It’s a season of replenishment, not employment. There are no performance metrics. Your being here is enough.

That’s okay. Life happens. Fellows can step back at any time. If you haven't engaged with much of the programme, Mangaroa may request a partial return of funds, but always with understanding and in good faith.

We honour that each Fellow carries their own whakapapa, mātauranga, and unique creative or spiritual practices. Anything shared in confidence, ceremony, or personal storytelling is treated with deep respect. Nothing will be published or used without your clear consent. If you contribute any original materials or teachings, we will always ask first, attribute properly, and work with you to ensure they are presented in the right way.

With your consent, yes. We may share your story or offering via our website, social channels, or other public communications. It’s about honouring your mahi, not commodifying it. You always have a say.

Yes. It is treated as income, so you are responsible for any tax, ACC, or GST obligations that apply. If you’re GST-registered, we’ll pay GST on top of the $10,000 upon receipt of an invoice.

Some parts of the programme (like retreats) may include outdoor or land-based activities. We take safety seriously, but nature comes with inherent risks. We ask you to look after yourself, and we'll do the same.

Each Fellow is invited for a solo retreat at Mangaroa Farms, usually during autumn or winter. It’s your time to breathe. There’s no agenda. You might walk the whenua, sleep, write, reflect, eat nourishing kai, or just stare at the trees. We provide a quiet place to land, kai support, and space to be. If you want guidance or gentle facilitation, we can arrange that—but it’s completely up to you.

Each Fellow is offered a storytelling package. This could be a short video, audio interview, or written piece. Our team will co-create this with you—respecting your voice, story, and boundaries. You’ll always get to review anything before it’s shared. The goal is to uplift your mahi and seed your wisdom in a way that feels right for you.

You're part of the whānau for life. There are light-touch pathways to stay involved—as a mentor, a host, a cultural advisor, or even a future storyteller-in-residence. We don’t close doors. We grow the circle.