About us
Enabling kids
to get growing
Growing OKE
What is Oke all about
Oke provide Kiwi kids the opportunity to learn life and social skills by building sustainable “outdoor classrooms” at primary schools. By giving the kids the tools to learn, Oke are empowering schools and communities, ultimately providing a better place for everyone. Learn more about the Oke Growing A Future initiative…
Oke plans to give
every kiwi kid an
outdoor classroom
At Oke Charity, our mission is to cultivate a love for learning and healthy living in children by building outdoor classrooms throughout Aotearoa. We believe that every child should have access to a classroom which enables them to learn, thrive and grow.
Through our work, we aim to inspire and educate our tamariki on the importance of sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. We strive to create safe and nurturing outdoor spaces where children can connect with nature, develop life skills, and build meaningful relationships with their peers.
We are committed to promoting equity and inclusivity in our projects, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or ability, has equal access to the benefits of our school gardens. Our goal is to empower children to become confident, resilient, and socially responsible individuals who are equipped to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Check out our Working Bee Schedule to see the next school receiving Growing A Future and find out more about our awesome partners.
key outcomes
What makes us diferent?
Building
We build outdoor classrooms at minimal cost to schools
Learning
The spaces we build can be used for all manner of learning, not just gardening
Engaging
We help schools engage with their communities through our community lead working bees
Meet the Oke Crew
Paul Dickson
- Founder/Good EGG (Executive Go-Getter)
Paul came up with the crazy idea of creating the #H2HWalk back in 2012. After the successes of the fundraiser, he decided to do things a little bit backward and then create the Oke Charity. Paul heads up the Oke Crew…when he’s not on Daddy Daycare duty!
Helen Porter
- Oke School Mate
Helen joined the Oke Crew in March 2023, as the new Oke School Mate. With her background in retail gardening and her love for teaching kids how to garden, Helen is a fantastic addition to the Oke Crew, helping schools to make the most of their school gardens.
Alisi Kivalu
- South Auckland Chief Go-Getter
Alisi joined the Oke Crew in April 2021 as the South Auckland Chief Go-Getter. Living and breathing Otara life, Alisi is helping to connect the Oke Charity with the community where it all began. Whilst getting stuck in to help build more school gardens.
Michelle Turner
- Auckland Central / Pukekohe Chief Go-Getter
Michelle joined the Oke Crew in October 2023 as the Auckland Central / Pukekohe Chief Go-Getter. Oke initially teamed up with Michelle when she was working at Mountain View School and initiated the outdoor classroom being built. After volunteering with Auckland for the next couple of years, we finally snapped up Michelle as our Chief Go-Getter, helping to get even more outdoor classrooms funded and built.
The Oke Board aka The Kick Ass Oke Squad (KAOS)
Anj Dickson
- Treasurer
Pete White
- Trustee
Kane Silcock
- Chair
Amanda Morrall
- Trustee
Mark Beaven
- Trustee
Shannil Varma
- Trustee
Meg Smith
- Trustee
Gabe Davidson
- Trustee