Pat Griffin - Founder and Head Teacher
I’ll be honest — I’m not a big fan of writing bios and find it a bit strange to talk about myself. I’m more of an action guy. But for those who like them, here goes.
I’m a visionary educator, conservationist, and community advocate who believes
education needs more than small fixes. I believe it has to be rebuilt for the future. My heart is firmly rooted here in Buller and in Aotearoa, and my mission is to help create a new learning system where wellbeing, curiosity, and human potential sit at the heart, preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
My career has taken me from teaching and leadership roles in Aotearoa New Zealand to the USA, and through professional learning and school observations in Japan, the Cook Islands, and Indonesia. In northern Florida I served as Lead Teacher for Mathematics and Science in a private school. Back home, I led the William Pike Challenge for two years, inspiring resilience and outdoor learning, and I’ve been part of the KNECT Trust since it began, helping community projects grow and succeed.
I also created and deliver The Nurture School’s weekend learning days, holiday camps, and one‑day school. These are real‑world, hands‑on programmes that put my transformative philosophy into action. They’re living learning communities that step
away from the limits of industrial‑era schooling, offering personalised, interdisciplinary learning with strong connections to people, place, and purpose.
When I’m not working with learners, you’ll usually find me out in nature — surfing, hunting, hiking, or training for ultra marathons. These experiences constantly remind me that real learning is experiential, challenging, and life‑affirming.
I’m committed to working alongside whānau, rangatahi, and communities to co‑create an education system that honours every learner, strengthens communities, and empowers the next generation to build a just, sustainable, and compassionate Aotearoa.
Our staff
Taryn Swete - Teacher
Meet Taryn!
Marine biologist, environmental advocate, KNECT Trust manager, and inspiring educator at The Nurture School.
Holding a master’s degree from the University of Tasmania, Taryn combines academic expertise with real‑world experience. She has been part of our journey since the early days, helping run weekend learning workshops and welcoming local school groups to explore our beautiful learning environment.
Her passion for learning and ecology is matched by many years of leading community projects — from working alongside Indigenous groups in Australia and Alaska to creating engaging marine biology education programs for schools and communities.
Whether she’s in the classroom, guiding students through hands‑on learning, or outside surfing and caring for the environment, Taryn leads by example. Her knowledge, warmth, and community spirit make her an invaluable part of our team, inspiring the next generation of lifelong learners.
KNECT Charitable Trust
KNECT is a Charitable Trust that exists to enable positive and sustainable outcomes for people and nature across the Buller Kawatiri via the connections it makes and the work it supports and delivers.