Rock and Water New Zealand specialise in training youth workers, SWIS, counsellors etc to deliver needs-focused programmes to the schools and communities that they work with. Social service providers can develop flexible programmes of their own, using Rock and Water as the backbone to the delivery and skills being targeted.

The structure and ethos of Rock and Water is pure Hauora. It is about educating the whole person and developing individuals who feel strong, connected (physically, emotionally and socially) and resilient. The physical basis is used to develop strong self-awareness and awareness and tolerance of others – great skills for communicating and connecting with team members and clients. So, great skills for team members and a solid structure to help clients develop these skills.

Through the use of Rock and Water you can target your key focus areas  – anti-violence, sexual violence, social skills, trauma, mental health, working with at risk youth, youth and adults with special needs, programmes in schools, communities etc.

Some excellent feedback from a youth worker who attended an Introductory workshop in Taumarunui:

“I attended the Rock and Water workshop in Taumaranui recently and LOVED it!

The benefits are huge for our communities to be utilising such a simplistic, safe and self-respecting way of communicating, interacting and engaging with each other professionally, personally, positively or whenever negativity/conflict has a place.

Well done on a superb, extra-ordinary programme based on everyday simple and compassionate strategies…
I loved it…
Thank you thank you thank you.”

And from an Upper Hutt Accreditation training:

• “Awesome all round delivery” Youth worker

• “This is the best course I have ever been on” SWIS

• Thank you so much – very empowering” Teacher

The Rock and Water Programme is used across many countries of the world by social service-provider organisations, mental health organisations, counselling services, in juvenile detention facilities etc. The flexibility and ability to work on numerous identified needs means that the programme is a versatile and cost-effective tool. Programmes can be developed to target young people and adults  from five years of age, and on a one-on-one, small group or large group basis.

In New Zealand, Rock and Water workshops are consistently attended by Social Workers In Schools, guidance counsellors, youth workers etc who are looking for a proactive, fun, engaging and powerful tool to work with adults and children on a 1:1, small focus-group or general group (eg after-school or holiday programmes) basis.

Several Scientific Research papers  have shown that the psychophysical resilience programme Rock and Water helps to boost self-confidence, curb impulsive behaviour, deter sexually transgressive behaviour in boys, decreases depressive symptoms and increases self-confidence and self-esteem.

• Research papers are linked to on the Home page.
• New Zealand-based programme data is available if you would like to look at short-term programme outcomes from local providers. Please contact us for these.

In-house (or Closed) workshops are by far the most economical way for NGOs to approach Rock and Water workshops, as the whole staff can be trained at a fraction (approximately 40%) of the per person cost. This allows for diversification of the programme, an organisation-wide understanding of the techniques, language and ethos, and flexibility to work across many different projects. In-house (Closed) workshops are available for all the Rock and Water Workshops.

Share cost workshops are also available. A single organisation can purchase a Closed workshop, and then invite local educators to attend and split the cost between the participants. The host organisation is responsible for providing a venue and catering. These catering costs may be factored into the per-participant price, but the organisation may not use this structure as a profit making exercise. This is a great way to involve schools and local organisations and develop a community approach to Rock and Water principles.

A community approach

In June 2017 a REAP organisation in the South Island purchased a Closed three day workshop. Through a combination of grant applications and using a ‘share cost’approach, the organisation managed to bring together 24 participants from the region, including teachers (Primary and Secondary), RTLB, social workers and youth workers. As a result, Rock and Water can begin to grow across the community, and much needed skills start to be developed among the youth and the adult population.