What's it like in New Zealand?
New Zealand – Aotearoa – has around 4 million people. The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and are one of two main people groups. The other group are known as Pakeha, who are New Zealanders of European decent. English is the predominant language spoken; however the two official languages of New Zealand are Maori and English. There are many other people groups living in NZ, particularly Pacific Islanders, Asian and Middle Eastern nationalities.

The landscape is incredibly varied throughout the 3 main islands of NZ (North Island, South Island, Stewart Island). There are beautiful beaches, farmland, rugged coastlines, mountains, native bush, country towns, cities… New Zealand is famous for its ‘clean green’ image, and beautiful landscapes, and has developed a reputation for being a great place to try out adventure extreme activities.
Our base is located in the town of Matamata, which is a semi-rural farming community of around 6000 people. It is quite central to a range of tourist attractions in the North Island.

Summer is from December through to mid March. Temperatures will range but can reach a maximum of 25-30°c.
Winter is from June through to the end of August. Temperatures range throughout the country, but in Matamata, they will reach a maximum of around 15°c, and a minimum of around 3-4°c. It doesn’t snow in Matamata, but we often have a thick frost in the mornings.

What is the Base?
Our base is located at Crystal Springs in Matamata, which is a semi-rural farming community set at the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges. It is a 10-minute drive to the local town centre, which has a range of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Crystal Springs was originally a holiday park with hot pools sourced from the natural hot springs on the property. The YWAM ministry - Family Ministries NZ, now owns it. Family Ministries NZ and YWAM Pursuits both run schools from this location. It is set on park-like grounds, surrounded by farmland. There are hot pools next door and the local golf course is in walking distance from the base.

What is the accommodation like?
DTS accommodation is in cabins, housing between 4-8 people. All linen is provided, although it is also necessary for students to bring their own sleeping bag to use on weekend trips and outreach.

What about church?
We really value the local church and encourage everyone to get involved while they're here in NZ. There are a number of denominations represented in town. We endeavour to have transport available for students to attend church on Sunday. This depends entirely on staff drivers.

Where do we go on outreach?
Outreach locations can change from time to time. Our outreach locations in the past have been: Fiji, Rotuma Island, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Tahiti, Indonesia, Philippines, South Africa, India and New Zealand. The ministry call & focus is to the Pacific Region, particularly Fiji (since 1998), Rotuma, Australia and NZ. Half of the outreach phase is usually spent here in New Zealand, while the other half is spent in a cross-cultural setting overseas.

What do we do on outreach?
The outreach phase is up to 10 weeks longs. We usually work alongside local churches, serving them and their communities in a variety of ways. For example: prison ministry, home groups, hospital ministry, street evangelism, door to door evangelism, open-air crusades, children’s ministries and practical activities. At other times in the outreach we may be simply showing God's love to people in practical ways, like talking with guys at a skate ramp. We're always seeking to meet people where they're at and to preach the gospel creatively wherever and whenever we have the opportunity.

What if I don't speak English well?
All of the teaching on our DTS will be done in English. We do not provide interpreters to translate what is being taught. In the past we have had students who could only speak basic English. They found their English developed during the DTS, but they sometimes struggled to fully understand the teaching.

What happens with my fees if I drop out of the DTS part way through?
Refunds within Seven (7) Days:
Students withdrawing from the course within seven (7) days will receive a full refund (less $500 or 10%, whichever is the smaller amount).
Refunds After Seven (7) Days:
For students withdrawing during weeks 2 and 3, the Tuition Fees will be refunded on a pro rata basis.
For withdrawals after week 3:
No tuition fees will be refunded. Accommodation fees, however, will be refunded on a pro rata basis.
Outreach Fees:
Any Outreach Fees paid prior to the departure for outreach will be fully refunded (less $250 administration charge and any non-refundable deposits made), except for Airline tickets purchased, which will be refunded subject to standard Airline policy.
After the commencement of the outreach: fees paid for food, accommodation and transport ("Ground Fees") will be refunded on a pro rata basis.

How much free time will I have?
The schedule of a DTS is pretty intense in nature; however, there is a certain amount of free time every day (either during the day or in the evening). During the Lecture phase of the school, there will be at least two free weekends without any outdoor or music activities.