When most of us join a beach clean-up, we think about the rubbish we collect. For Ash Morgan, it’s about something much bigger.
It’s about giving damaged coastlines a chance to recover, protecting local waterways before pollution reaches the ocean, and creating opportunities for people who simply need someone to believe in them.
As founder of Tauranga-based Outflow Trust, Ash started the organisation after seeing the growing impact pollution, erosion and environmental damage were having on the Western Bay of Plenty.
“I could see our beaches, rivers and waterways were under pressure,” says Ash. “I wanted to do something practical that would make a difference.”
Since launching in 2023, Outflow Trust has organised beach, river and waterway clean-ups, restored sand dunes, collected native seeds and planted thousands of native species. The team also works to identify pollution hotspots before contaminants make their way into the moana.
But along the way, something unexpected happened.
“We started meeting people who wanted to contribute but were struggling to find work or opportunities,” says Ash. “That’s when we realised we could help restore people as well as place.”
Giving Young People a Head Start
That idea became Head Start, a work experience programme designed for young people and others facing barriers to employment.
Still in its pilot stage, the programme gives participants the chance to spend time outdoors working on genuine conservation projects while building the confidence and practical skills that employers value.
Whether it’s restoring dunes, collecting native seeds or cleaning local waterways, participants aren’t doing made-up exercises. They’re contributing to work that benefits the whole community.
Alongside the environmental projects, they learn how to work as part of a team, communicate effectively, take responsibility and understand what employers expect in a workplace.
The programme currently runs one day each week for four hours, with small groups of four participants. Keeping the groups small means everyone receives individual support and encouragement as they build confidence at their own pace.
Outflow Trust works alongside Recreate NZ, with participants joining Head Start after completing support through that organisation and feeling ready to take the next step towards employment or further education.
“The environmental work needs doing,” says Ash. “But it also creates a space where people can discover what they’re capable of. As confidence grows, people start believing they have something valuable to offer.”
Small Steps, Big Changes
Although Head Start is still relatively new, the changes are already becoming noticeable.
“We’ve seen confidence grow from week to week,” says Outflow Trust team member David Allum. “People become more willing to try new things, speak up and take responsibility.”
For some participants, one term hasn’t been enough.
“Some have chosen to come back for another term because they wanted more experience before moving into employment. That’s exactly why the programme exists—to help people feel ready.”
Why It Matters
Environmental restoration and community wellbeing aren’t usually thought of as the same thing, but Outflow Trust is proving they can go hand in hand.
Every native plant put into the ground strengthens local ecosystems. Every piece of rubbish removed helps protect marine life. And every young person who walks away with greater confidence has the potential to change the direction of their own future.
Rachael Gemming, Trustee of TECT Community Trust, says that’s why supporting organisations like Outflow Trust is so important.
“What Outflow Trust is achieving goes well beyond environmental restoration,” she says. “They’re caring for our coastlines while also creating opportunities for people who may simply need some extra support to take their next step.”
“When people gain confidence, purpose and practical workplace skills, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. They ripple out through families, employers and the wider community.”
It’s a reminder that sometimes restoring a place isn’t only about the environment. Sometimes it’s about restoring hope as well.
To learn more about Outflow Trust’s environmental work or the Head Start programme, visit their website.
Main Image: Graduating Head Start Programme participants
