Learn | Hibburt Park 2025

SYC Trust

Hibburt Park is operated and managed by SYC Trust, the youth arm of South West Baptist Church. Through our work, we aim to assist rangatahi (young people) to develop a sense of identity and belonging through being part of a community that fosters healthy lifestyles. We want to encourage them to enjoy their teenage years, achieve all they can, explore faith and avoid some of life’s pitfalls.

In 2020 SYC Trust was gifted the management rights of Hibburt Park from the Churches for Christ Property Board. We are now the kaitiaki (caretakers) of this wonderful facility.

We are excited to have the opportunity to offer groups a place to create lifelong memories. A place and space that helps to create and grow positive relationships with their peers, teachers and leaders. Getting amongst the outdoors can also have huge benefits to help build confidence in peoples physical, mental, emotional and social capabilities. We see Hibburt Park as a great opportunity to offer affordable camps to youth groups, schools and other community groups, where rangatahi would get the chance to enjoy and learn from being in the outdoors.

Hibburt Park & SYC Trust Staff

James Haylock

Hibburt Park Manager

Beccy Haylock

Hibburt Park Administrator

Richard Hellewell

SYC Trust Operations Co-Ordinator

Sandra Hector

SYC Trust Manager

Management Team

We are privileged to be able to lean on the skills and expertise of our volunteer management team. This incredible group of individuals share our heart and passion to provide affordable camping opportunities to young people. They guide us in our decision making and help us dream and scheme future plans for Hibburt Park.

Aaron Stewart

Aaron is the owner and operator of Aaron Stewart Builders and partner at Alpine Activations. He has extensive experience in both residential and commercial construction, and he enjoys managing a wide range of projects, from new builds & renovations. He also has many years of experience in co-ordinating event set up, with the likes of Southern Eastercamp and Electric Avenue. Aaron tackles everything he does with passion, enthusiasm and a can-do attitude - characteristics that make challenges at Hibburt Park seem like no problem at all!

Kate McClelland

Kate is part of the TSCF (Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship) Staff at Lincoln University and National Team and has been involved with their ministry for 10 years. Her work has led her to be a part of running and organising camps for their students, as well as being part of the organising team for their world conference. Along with her experience and skills in event planning, she holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours). Her experience and expertise in this field helps us to create a cohesive and beautiful campsite at Hibburt Park. She has experienced the hospitality of Hibburt Park personally and is keen to help us fulfil our vision to see people and place flourish. Kate has dedicated much of her working life to good causes and we are stoked she has chosen to add Hibburt Park to that list!

Michael Down

Michael brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his current role as Commercial Manager at PGG Wrightson. Having held various financial positions both locally, in Aotearoa, and internationally, in the United Kingdom, he has honed a diverse skill set that combines financial judgement with legal knowledge. This unique blend of talents equips him to provide invaluable guidance and insight to our team. He is passionate about there being spaces for whanau to connect with each other and the outdoors, he thinks Hibburt Park is a truly special place for groups to come together, deepen relationships and have fun that is affordable! Mike says he feels privileged to play a small part in the vision of Hibburt Park - we feel equally privileged to have someone of Mike’s calibre on our management team!

Paul Ferguson

Paul is currently on staff at Hillmorton High School teaching PE/Health and Outdoor Education. He has worked in many different roles across the education sector in Ōtautahi, including being a Deputy Principal, Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour and on school boards. He has chosen to be part of our team because he is passionate about ākonga (students) having affordable access to a diverse range of experiences in the outdoors, that help to strengthen whanaungatanga, make connections to their tūrangawaewae whilst creating lifelong memories in the stunning playground on our doorstep. Being in the world of outdoor education, Paul has a sound knowledge of Health and Safety requirements to ensure our guests can enjoy their time at Hibburt Park, resting in the knowledge that risk management has been considered and implemented.

Driven by Purpose

Building Community

Hibburt Park is a space for community connection, teamwork and shared experiences - where groups become whanau and lasting memories are made together.

Outdoor Exploration

We believe the outdoors is a place for learning, exploration and wonder - where every experience is a chance to grow and connect with the world around us.

Empowering Rangatahi

Our heart is for the next generation - providing young people with the opportunities to lead, grow in confidence and discover their potential.

Hibburt History

In 1958, 5 acres of crown land, near Spencer Park, was obtained by the St Albans Church of Christ, Christchurch, for youth camp purposes. This was

one of the several crown land sites that was made available by the NZ Governments 'Lands and Survey Department' to various youth organisations, on long-term leases. The campsite was given the name 'Hibburt Park' to honour the work of Will R. Hibburt, Director of Christian Education of the Associated Churches of Christ (now Christian Churches New Zealand).

On May 8 1960, Hibburt Park hosted its first camp.

Camp fees were always kept to a minimum which enabled wide-spread use of the camp facilities by many youth groups including Scouts, Girl Guides,

Boys and Girls Brigades, schools, churches and numerous other community groups. Over the years Hibburt Park has been a popular campsite and countless young people have been impacted positively by their experiences there, the relationships they formed during camps and working bees, and the opportunity they had to grow in skills, thinking and faith, in a safe setting.

However, the time came when the Associated Churches of Christ needed to retire from the responsibilities of maintaining the facilities and in 2020 they handed over the management of Hibburt Park to SYC Trust. 60 years later, the vision of Hibburt Park remains the same, to provide affordable camping so that young people may experience the benefits of camping and the outdoors.