About Orama
Orama Christian Community is located in Karaka Bay, at the northern end of Great Barrier Island. The Community was established in 1965 as part of a trans-denominational, Christian Trust.
The major focus of the Trust's work has been retreat, restoration and Christian training. '0rama' is the Greek word for vision. Over the years this work has taken many forms with community members being involved in skill development, education, rehabilitation, a work programme and cottage industries.
However, at the heart of everything there has always been the ministry of offering hospitality to others and sharing the rhythms of life in a Christian community.
One of the Orama Trust's activities is to host the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits. School and corporate groups come for a few days to a week at a time. Alongside this the Orama Trust operates their own programmes which include camps, conferences and courses.
The Orama property is 230 hectares (600 acres). The main centre lies in a natural coastal valley, opening onto a beautiful bay. This is surrounded by pastureland, regenerating indigenous bush and mature trees. Great Barrier Island is renown for its bio-diversity and Karaka Bay is home to a small flock of protected brown teal, with kereru (NZ wood pigeon), banded rail, North Island kaka (brown parrot), and a range of wading birds present in increasing numbers. It was from a specimen discovered on this property in 1974 that the chevron skink was identified as an endangered, sub-species.
Trustees and community members are working in partnership with local, national and international organizations to develop and enhance the property as an environmental resource. .