Kaiako / Instructors

Alice H

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m from Leicester, the middle of England. I grew up living an outdoorsy lifestyle as we just didn’t have much room inside, my family live on canal boats! It all started with some family holidays in the Lake District where I learned to sail small dinghies before I was big enough to right them, went canoeing to the cafe across the lake and did my first gorge walking.

I studied Outdoor Education at university with a great crew of friends, pushing for as many adventures as we could. Some of my fave jobs so far have been instructing coasteering in the South of England, canoe and kayak guiding in France and sea kayak guiding here in the Marlborough Sounds.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

An outdoors job with so much more depth, meaning and purpose than guiding or summer camp, it gives you heaps more time for a better connection with people.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Getting out and about on epic adventures and really engaging with the natural environment.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Veggie mushroom risotto with yum salads is a winner!

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Running Big Al’s Arborist - no job too big, no job too small.

Ben

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia Ora all,

A hikoi amongst the trees, a scramble over rocks and up the mountain, holding my breath under water- these have always been the places and the things that restore me.

I grew up in a scattershot of lower North island towns, schooled in Palmy North, studied Psychology at University in Dunedin. Post university I took a gap year overseas to stretch my legs. 7 years later I returned with a chef qualification, outdoor guiding experience, and a fresh perspective and appreciation for this incredible country - Aotearoa.

So a mixed history of psyc, cheffing, tour guiding... I come to OB from an unconventional angle- but who doesn't love a WASGIJ puzzle?

What attracted you to working at OB?          

The potential for growth and transformation. Something magic can happen here if you allow it. It doesn't have to be a life changing epiphany. It can be a tiny 1% change. But change is the currency. How much do you want to put in?

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

The beautiful ride. Watching the transformations. Watching the moments of fear, then courage. The rough nights. The magical sunsets. The slow days but the fast weeks.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Sticky date. Butterscotch sauce. Cream. Roll me out..

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

A Hobbit with a garden to tend and a birthday to celebrate!

Billy

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am from a town called Southport, Northwest England. I have also had a passion for the outdoors and the adventures it brings. I studied outdoor education at university in the Lakes District and from this I went on to work at an outdoor centre in northern France. I then moved back to the UK to work for The Outward Bound Trust. I started at Aberdovey, Wales, and moved to the Loch Eil centre in Scotland a while after.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

A new challenge in life and the kaupapa here at Anakiwa sits well with what I want to achieve.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

The opportunity to grow, learn new skills, and make an impact on other people's lives. Being part of a friendly community and having the chance to work alongside others in such a beautiful environment.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

I am still working this one out, the food here is amazing.

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

A mountain guide somewhere in the Alps or Himalayas.

Claire M

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up in Ohariu Valley in Wellington, before moving to Christchurch just in time for some major earth movements! Once I'd finished high school, I moved back to Wellington to study Classical Music Violin Performance at the New Zealand School of Music. I got halfway through my degree before realising it wasn't fully filling my cup.

I went to do some travelling overseas, before landing a job in outdoor ed in Upper Hutt. I hadn't worked in the outdoors before, so I soaked up knowledge from everyone there and that's where I learned everything I know so far about outdoor ed! After completing a course at OB, I realised how passionate I was about learning, and personal development through the outdoors, so continued a career in the outdoors with the eventual goal of working at OB.

I love the bush, the ocean, and if I'm not working you might find me making art, running or sitting somewhere beautiful in the sun!

What attracted you to working at OB?          

I was gifted a scholarship and completed a Classic course in 2020 wanting to delve deeper into my own values and figure out why I do what I do. During my course, I was overwhelmed with the mana and sense of purpose I felt from the staff whānau and was reminded why I love working in Outdoor Education and was given a new sense of drive - this was where I wanted to be! I really believe in the Kaupapa and was attracted to work for an organisation with such clear values that aligned closely with my own.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Being continuously inspired by my colleagues, and the students we work with - being in a learning environment every day is pretty special! Plus the bush, sea and rivers are pretty epic offices!

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Any of Ruby's salads are insanely delicious!!!

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Off somewhere beautiful on an adventure with some good people.

Danielle

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia ora! My name is Danielle but most people here call me Dani! I grew up in Henderson out in West Auckland (proud Westie!). My love of adventure and the outdoors saw me complete a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation with a major in Outdoor Education through Auckland University of Technology.

After graduating from university in 2017 I worked for a beautiful organisation called Recreate NZ where I coordinated and facilitated recreation and adventure programmes for young people with intellectual disabilities. Through this work, I was asked to come down as a support worker on the first Youth Horizons course. On this course I fell in love with Outward Bound and the magic of Anakiwa. I returned a few more times as a support worker, before joining the team full time in the Instructor Support role and then as an instructor 8 months later.

In my spare time, you’ll often find me baking, knitting and swimming as well as listening to Taylor Swift.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

Everything! The people, the place, and the magic of Anakiwa. During my time as a support worker, I got to see firsthand the impact an Outward Bound course can have on individuals and wanted to be able to help others experience that goodness too.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

There’s really not a lot that I don’t enjoy about working here! Being able to share some truly amazing moments in nature with students has to be up there. From bioluminescent dolphins and beautiful sunsets at sea to spectacular glow worms and native bird spotting in the bush. I also love that I get to work in some of the most beautiful places with a bunch of incredible staff who I learn from and am inspired by on a daily basis.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Probably the pad Thai and the almond and passionfruit cake.

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Knitting and baking my way around the world.

Hannah

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am from the beautiful Dunedin originally, but have spent a bit of time living in Motueka, Blenheim, Wellington and overseas before landing in Anakiwa! I did a bit of study involving Outdoor Education through Otago Polytech when I left school, as well as a diploma in massage therapy. I've worked seasonally in guiding jobs up until now, I feel like I've hit the jackpot getting to start at OB!

What attracted you to working at OB?          

Using the outdoors to grow and feel happy is what fills my cup. The stunning location and superhumans that work there too are a bonus :)

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

I love working with people, and I love working with the environment, so it's a perfect combo!

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Any of Ruby's salads get me super excited!

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Sponsored to travel full time :)

Jake

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I was born in Bristol UK and soon after I moved to NZ at 3 years old. Not long after, I learned how to ride a bike and this was the start of my adventures!

My passion for adventure and travel has led me to study Outdoor Instruction and go on to work as a guide for the past 7 years. Before arriving here at Outward Bound, mountain biking was my main hobby.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

My partner Alice moved to work here.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Working in a healthy, stimulating environment.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Flapjacks!

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Raft guide.

Jeremiah

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia ora! I grow up in a small rural town north of Auckland called Wellsford, nestled nicely between the Kaipara Harbour and Mangawhai Heads. Because of this I have a strong affinity for the ocean and waterways of Aotearoa. I studied Outdoor Leadership at Auckland University of Technology and later completed a Bachelor of Adventure Recreation and Outdoor Education at Christchurch Poly Tech.

I am passionate about working with people in the outdoors, this has seen me working predominantly as an adventure tour guide taking people sea kayaking and exploring canyons in the deep south. I have also worked in the fields of Adventure Therapy, Youth Development and Outdoor Education.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

I'm really excited to be working with OB as I am passionate about the power of nature-based adventure as a vehicle for personal development, social change and environmental awareness. I see OB as a world leader in nature-based personal development programmes and it is a real privilege to be working alongside an amazing team of people who also share this passion. I am also very excited to walk alongside our students during their OB experience and share in their journey of personal growth and discovery.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Seeing other people giving their all, even though they may be cold and tired and the task is hard! Being with people when they share their experience and allow themselves to be vulnerable requires so much strength and I really admire people's willingness to sit in this space! It's not easy but this is where the growth and gains are made!

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Ruby's amazing and delicious salads!

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Indiana Jones looking for lost artifacts in some exotic and dangerous location in a far-flung corner of the planet.

Kent

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up in a pole house by the sea at Pāpāmoa Beach. My two brothers and I were given a great deal of freedom and gravitated towards adventure and mischief. I got involved in many organised sports, from athletics to rugby, but put most of my effort into swimming, judo and football. Our family were all about time spent on or under the waves. We lived on some remote islands in Fiji for a while. Sometimes we'd go camping in our tipi. I was drawn to tramping as a way to explore the hinterland on Tūhua and other islands. I studied outdoor education at high school and started going on multi-day tramps. We were often outward bound as a family, sailing on longer and longer voyages, before eventually exploring the South Pacific on a double-canoe style sailing catamaran; a Wharram design, inspired by the waka of the Pacific. These experiences - sailing, fishing, spearfishing, going bush and surfing - gave permanence to my affinity with the natural world and drive for adventure.

After leaving school, I ran away to sea and spent seven years or so on sailing ships, including the gaff cutter Moonbeam, sail-training brigantine Soren Larsen, and youth-development barkentine Spirit on New Zealand. My nautical qualifications include Inshore Launchmaster, New Zealand Offshore Master, and Yachting New Zealand Learn to Sail Coach. I went to Uni and met my future wife in a history lecture - and bonus, I also managed to complete a Bachelor of Social Sciences, with a double major in Human Development and Sociology, and then a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning. From there we spent ten years or so teaching in schools and raised a small tribe of boys, before deciding to make the move to Outward Bound. Aside from the usual OB activities, I enjoy practicing primal movement and the MovNat method, ocean swimming, surfing and being a dad.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

I did a Classic Course at Outward Bound while I was working as Mate on Spirit of New Zealand, and the seed was sown!

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Like many people that come to Outward Bound, I'm here to keep pushing, learning and growing. I enjoy all the outdoor pursuits and physical training (even the cold water!), and I really enjoy helping others with personal development. It's also really fun. That's what I love about Outward Bound.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Cauliflower and chickpea curry. Also, Ruby's salads... Unbelievable.

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be...
Sailing ships, superyachts or working for DoC.

Luke C.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia ora!

I grew up in the small town of Levin where my mum started teaching my brother and I Taekwon-Do. As I got older and progressed through the belts, I slowly started collecting medals and dabbled in instructing when my mum got unwell.

One of my highlights of my TKD career was competing in the TKD World Championships in Spain, but my most memorable and cherished moments are the ones when I got to see my students compete at competitions or complete a grading to their next belt.

Watching others accomplish their goals and seeing their pride and happiness in their accomplishment was a major motivator for my career change from The NZ Army to Outward Bound. I had also completed a Mind, Body and Soul course while I was at college and after that course I thought what a dream it would be to become an Outward Bound Instructor.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

The opportunity to feel the same warm and fuzzies when I was instructing Taekwon-Do but also having the chance to have more of an impact on the Aotearoa community.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

I get to live an active and adventurous lifestyle almost everyday with the bonus of meeting some pretty awesome humans.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

You cant go wrong with Thai curry.

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

A jaded soldier.

Noé

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Bonjour!

I am from the city of Montréal in Québec, Canada. I lived there until I was 18 and then I left to study outdoor leadership for 3 years. While studying, I'd spend as much time as possible on adventures exploring the surrounding land and forest. Climbing, tramping, skiing and that is also where I discovered the wonderful world of whitewater.
After guiding for a while, I started guiding longer trips to develop a deeper connection with the participants. While searching for an even deeper connection, I ended up instructing whitewater canoeing, whitewater rescue and skiing. That was the jackpot. I knew then that it was going to be an important part of my life.
Then after a summer of working too hard, I wanted to spend time for myself and paddle whitewater for fun. Which is why I came to Aotearoa to paddle it's famous rivers and discover it's beautiful ao turoa (natural world).

What attracted you to working at OB?          

The tight knit community and the proximity to the ocean, the bush and rivers. Also, having sheep in my backyard is definitely a plus.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Seeing the growth and the connections the students build with each others. I love seeing sparks in the eyes of students when they realize something and also being able to share the beauty of the natural world with them all.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Can a desert be a meal? If yes, then it's the Banofee pie.
The kitchen is just always producing outstanding meals, all the vegetarian ones are delicious!

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Canoeing on some rivers in northern Canada. Or a baker. Or making all sorts of things.

Paddy

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up in Kirikiriroa Hamilton with my four siblings and developed a passion for surfing, skateboarding, and jumping bmx bikes with my brother. While on my way to becoming a secondary school teacher through Waikato University I changed tack and instead launched into a career as a full-time beekeeper for over half a decade.

After being re-inspired by a short course at Outward Bound I yet again changed tack and returned to tertiary education, this time studying Outdoor Education at Tai Poutini Polytech in Greymouth. After graduating in 2018 I went straight into instructing at the Peel Forest Outdoor Pursuits Centre where I've since enjoyed instructing a wide range of activities, upskilling through industry qualifications, and being part of another great community.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

For a long time I've been attracted to theories of learning and education, and I have an idea that positive changes to the personal, societal, economic, environmental, and political realms all start with some form of education.

My personal Outward Bound experience reminded me of what my values are, of the quality of living a life that's more closely aligned with my values, and inspired me that there's nothing stopping me to make changes but me. These inspirations were incredibly useful and lead me to discover outdoor education. I thought that if I could repay them forwards it would start to make a bigger difference than I had been making. Better people, better communities, better world.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

The culture here and the fundamentals of connection, compassion, resilience, and responsibility. Here they aren't just given lip service, but the whole organisation makes a true effort to walk the talk.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Coming into the dining hall after massive days and being served a hot meal from the kitchen team who've put in the aroha and mahi while we've been out adventuring in the Sounds is absolutely gold, every time! Its a bonus that they're all really tasty!

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Instructing somewhere else!

Ryan

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia ora future OB whānau, I grew up on the eastern shore of Tāmaki Makaurau where I spent my childhood climbing trees, chasing my younger brother and eating plums. My first experience of being outside my comfort zone in the outdoors was at the age of 12 when my Uncle took me on a weekend trip whitewater rafting and I distinctly remember being upside down for a lot of it and howling with laughter the whole time.

After school I moved to Wellywood to study degrees in Arts and Commerce. Since then I've worked as a tour guide in the South Island, a teacher in England and Peru and a tutor at University. I did an Outward Bound course back in 2016 and I found it so profoundly uplifting that in 2018 I applied to work in the Outward Bound Wellington team. I worked there for 3 years before taking up an Instructor intern position in 2021. I've been hooked ever since.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

The power of giving people an experience where they can be whoever they want to be

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

- Working with world-class outdoorsy humans who are also just a bunch of silly mates
- Witnessing the moments of self-discovery in our students
- Taking a laser (sailing boat) out for a couple of laps in the moana in my time off

What’s your favourite OB meal?

The vegetarian options are big fan-favourites around here and I'd say the show stopper is the spicy chickpea curry

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

Attempting to see how far I could get a laser around Aotearoa

Tim

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I spent the first two years of my life in Diamond Harbour in Christchurch before moving to Te Whanganui-a-Tara. I went to a Steiner school (Raphael House) from the age of four until 18, so it's fair to say it had a major influence on the person I am today! I spent my childhood learning the piano and violin, playing multiple sports (I'm incredibly competitive!), and tramping with my family. Although I took a roundabout route into outdoor education, it was tramping with my family and friends that really sparked my love for the outdoors.

Halfway through a classical composition degree at the New Zealand School of Music, thanks to a mate, I accidentally ended up working at Kaitoke Outdoor Education Centre in Upper Hutt and eventually became the Programmes Coordinator a couple of years later. Thanks to an awesome team of people I learned most of what I know about outdoor education there. Outward Bound was always the 'holy grail' for me - I'm beyond stoked to be able to work here now!

What attracted you to working at OB?          

I was attracted by the idea of working with people who are motivated to be here and are ready to explore their potential in such a beautiful wee corner of Aotearoa. Many of my formative experiences, favourite memories and most wholesome moments are in the outdoors with awesome people, and I can't wait to share more moments like those with others!

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

I love feeling so incredibly inspired by every single person who works for Outward Bound, and I love the feeling of being a part of such a strong community.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Marcel's sticky date pudding - that stuff is dangerously delicious!

If I wasn't an OB Instructor I'd be a…?           

The captain of a tug boat! How much fun does that look??