A Te Teko resident is encouraging children to swap screens for outdoor adventures through a community treasure-hunting initiative that has been quietly growing across the Eastern Bay.

Amiria Hindmarsh, who runs the Facebook page QM Hidden Treasures, hides cash, toys and small prizes in public locations for children and families to find.

The idea began last year after Hindmarsh came across similar treasure-hunting pages online.

“We were just bored one day,” she said. “There’s like a few pages on Facebook that actually made me want to actually do it. So we just decided to hide our $5.”

Since then, the project has expanded, with Hindmarsh hiding between four and eight treasures most weeks across Whakatāne, Edgecumbe and other Bay of Plenty locations.

Most of the treasures are cash drops, although she also occasionally includes small toys, lollies and goodie bags.

The project is largely self-funded, with Hindmarsh estimating she spends around $50 to $60 a month on cash prizes, along with a small amount on toys and treats.

She said the main motivation was to encourage children to spend more time outdoors.

“To get kids off the devices, and to get out and about and to get fresh air.”

She said feedback from families had been overwhelmingly positive.

“I get told the kids have a good time hunting for it. Whether they found it or not, they’re still excited and happy.

“We’ve seen many kids find it and the happiness they show, it’s like it’s all the money in the world.”

Hindmarsh said one of the most rewarding parts of the project was seeing children enjoying time outside rather than being glued to screens.

“I enjoy seeing the kids actually getting outside and not locked up inside on the game or other devices.”

The initiative has also attracted donations from community members wanting to support the treasure hunts.

Looking ahead, Hindmarsh hopes to organise larger walking treasure hunts where participants follow clues around town before reaching a final hidden prize.

She said the focus would remain on fun and community connection rather than the value of the rewards.

“Treasure hunting isn’t even just about the cash or the toys,” she said.

“It’s about the fun. Some kids actually do it for the fun and hand it to the younger kids.”

Hindmarsh encourages others thinking about starting similar projects in their own communities to give it a go.

“Don’t listen to haters, just keep positive.”

She hopes more families will discover the page and join in.

“Just keep sharing and liking my page to get others involved so they can bring their little ones to join in on the fun.”

How to play QM Hidden Treasures

■ Like and follow QM Treasure on Facebook

■ Watch a video of Amiria hiding the treasure

■ Go to the spot shown in the video

■ Find the hidden treasure

■ Private message Amiria, or comment on the video that you have found the treasure

■ Amiria will update the post with FOUND at the top

■ One treasure per person

■ No digging, climbing or entering private property to find treasures

■ Children should be supervised by an adult when searching