Our Team
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Hayley - Co-founder
With a background as a Project Manager across the Education IT and Climate Research sectors, Hayley brings her strong organisational and problem-solving skills to the outdoors. She’s also certified in Horticulture, which fuels her love of plants, growing things, and sharing nature’s magic with children.
Hayley is a warm, creative soul and devoted mum to one adventurous little boy. When she's not guiding little hands through mud kitchens and forest trails, you'll find her in her own kitchen cooking wholesome, organic meals and baking the kind of treats that warm both bellies and hearts.
With a deep connection to nature and a love for slow, intentional living, Hayley brings a beautiful blend of calm, imagination, and earthy magic to everything she does with children. Hayley has a natural gift for sparking imagination and encouraging children of all ages to discover what they're truly capable of. Her gentle, authentic approach helps create the kind of childhood memories we all wish we had.
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Emmie - Co-founder
With over 13 years in the NZ Police and a background that includes time in the UK Defence Force and LandSAR, Emmie brings a calm, capable presence to the outdoors.
Emmie was raised by the sea in a small fishing village in the south west of England where life centred around nature and community. She has travelled widely, and is a keen hiker with a deep love for wild places.
Her love of simple, outdoor living runs deep, and she's passionate about creating space for children to play freely, connect with nature, and follow their instincts. As a mum of three, she understands how overwhelming it can be - particularly with little ones in tow - simply to get out the door. She is eager to support and encourage families to feel more confident getting outside with their little ones, even when it feels like a challenge.
Emmie hopes to build a warm, inclusive sense of community where all families feel they belong - especially those who may be far from whanau, new to the area, or just feeling a little disconnected.
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Our Amazing Facilitator - details coming soon
Step inside our world
Outplay. Outlearn. is a nature playgroup based in Selwyn NZ, created for families who believe that the best learning happens outdoors.
Treasure
Childhood is precious and fleeting. We believe it should be treasured, and lived with wonder. Tamariki deserve the freedom to discover their own capabilities, imagine boldly, and grow with confidence. Through child-led free play, we give them the grace to explore their own ideas and grow at their own pace.
Trust
We step back so tamariki can step forward—discovering their capabilities, building resilience, and learning who they are. Mistakes, risk, and raindrops are not things to fear but pathways to growth. Time in nature is a powerful catalyst for this development, supporting children to become capable, curious, and well-equipped for life. In this natural, unhurried environment—without rush, competition, or tick boxes—they can thrive.
Tribe
Community is our superpower: big laughs, open hearts, and real support. Out here, muddy boots and messy hair are the uniform, laughter is the soundtrack, and fresh air is the reset button. We do our best to make everyone feel welcomed, supported, and part of something that truly matters.
Thrive
We embrace kaitiakitanga, acting with deep respect for our interconnected world. We show tamariki the beauty and wonder of the land we love, recognising that to raise the next generation of guardians, they need to experience the natural world with their own hands and hearts. We lead by example, striving not just to tread lightly but to act in ways that restore and regenerate—strengthening our local places and supporting the wider environment. Our goal is simple: to leave the world better than we found it.
