The Untouched World Foundation is a charitable trust dedicated to growing sustainability leadership across generations. For more than two decades, we have designed and delivered immersive education programmes that connect people deeply to place, purpose, and the potential for change. We passionately believe that educating young adults on the key issues facing society is one of the most effective ways to create positive impact. By facilitating programmes that unlock young people’s unique leadership potential, we aim to inspire them to become active change-makers.
We deliver week-long field leadership programmes across Aotearoa, engaging late secondary and tertiary students aged 16 to 25 in immersive learning grounded in regenerative practices. We also offer Advanced Leadership Programmes for graduates to continue developing their capability and influence.
The Foundation has a long-standing history of empowering individuals to create meaningful change for people and planet. Recognised by UNESCO as one of three global exemplars for mobilising youth to accelerate sustainability outcomes, we are now extending this impact to the professional sector.
Our Programmes
Our UWF programmes are specially designed to inspire and enrich our youth with leadership skills and knowledge through hands-on field work and teachings from experts. Our current programmes mainly focus on conservation, environment and biodiversity, with an emphasis on cultural harmony and understanding.
Emergent Leaders for Change
Emergent Leaders for Change supports early-career professionals to step into their potential as sustainability leaders — confident in who they are, connected across sectors, and capable of driving action that makes a difference. Participants develop the skills, relationships, and confidence to sustain their leadership journey and inspire collective change.
Advanced Leadership Program
Our Advanced Leadership Programmes are held throughout the year with alumni from our foundation programmes. They provide an opportunity for further development of leadership, with kaupapa driven by the youth and supported by our facilitators and senior staff.
Ōruawairua/Blumine Island Programme
Beginning at Waikawa Marae and finishing at Wild Waikawa participants travel to Ōruawairua Motu to continue the legacy of work with DOC which has brought this island to its predator fee status.
Toitū Tōtaranui Programme
This programme is a chance for young people to take real action for biodiversity in Marlborough. It invites participants to dive into hands-on conservation, explore bold ideas for thriving ecosystems, and develop their leadership and changemaker skills along the way.
Fashion Reimagined Programme
This programme recognises the necessity for more ethical and sustainable fashion futures, where people and planet are not compromised by a desire for profit. Fashion Reimagined seeks to challenge and expand participants thinking on the critical issues faced within the industry.
Whakaraupō Moana programme
Whakaraupō Moana participants, in partnership with Te Hapū Ngāti Wheke, are exposed to, and interact with, all players; from mana whenua, governance, commercial, environmental and those that call Whakaraupō home.
