HomeThe team at Outward Bound New Zealand are based in Wellington and beautiful Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds.
Instructor Recruitment
Our instructors are exceptional people. They come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are already outdoor instructors, teachers or guides, and some come to us for a change in career. Either way they have great life experience, and are able to deliver a programme of outdoor activities, and facilitate powerful learning that transfers back to real life.
There are opportunities for instructors to work a range of different programmes, from teenagers, to masters, tangata whenua to business leaders. Staff often develop their skills in particular areas and become expert at delivering specific courses.
Become an Instructor:
Ideal applicants are passionate about working with people, have experience and skills for working in the outdoors, have or are able to get instructing qualifications, and are able to inspire others to learn and grow.
Application forms
Instructor Application 2018 (This opens a PDF file and requires Adobe PDF Viewer).
The first step:
Applications for the 2018 intake are welcome at any time of year as recruitment is an ongoing process. Applications for the 2018 intake close on Sunday 14 January 2018 at 5pm. The selection course for this intake will be held from 12-16 February 2018.
Instructor internships - Applications open
Do you want to become an Outward Bound instructor, but you need to brush up on a few skills? We are offering four six-month instructor internships at our Anakiwa school.
You'll gain valuable experience while working alongside our amazing instructor team.
We'll provide your food, accommodation, access to our equipment, and lots of time in the outdoors.
You'll need a positive attitude, a full driving licence (including Class 2 if possible) and a passion for Outward Bound's work.
Fill in our instructor application form to apply for an internship.
Anyone wanting more information about getting work as an instructor, or advice about preparing for the selection process, please contact anakiwa@outwardbound.co.nz.
Instructor Profiles
The Outward Bound experience would be nothing without the instructors! To find out more about the amazing people that take our courses, click the stories below, or click here for more profiles.
Meet the new instructors
We've welcomed four new faces to the OB family. Freya, Seon, Kevin and Bernie have just completed their induction into the world of Outward Bound! Read more
Paula Wood - Instructor
After training as an Occupational Therapist and working as a counsellor, Paula Wood joined our team in 2014. She spent much of her childhood on boats and kayaks and hopes to build the same adventurous life for her children! Read more
Instructor FAQs
Do you hire instructors from overseas?
In order to hire staff from overseas, we need to show New Zealand’s Immigration Department that we are unable to find a New Zealander to perform the same role. We also need to show that the overseas applicant has all the skills required to perform the role.
If you are an international applicant, and interested in applying to work for us, you will need to fulfil this criteria. You will also need to apply for a new 12-month work visa every year, as you will be expected to undertake a full three year contract with us here at Outward Bound.
Currently we have a need for instructors with skills in a number of outdoor activities, with an emphasis on sailing and instructing - feel free to get in touch!
How many selection courses do you run each year?
We generally run one selection course each year. The dates are advertised on our website here and sent to our growing list of people interested in working for us.
If you are keen to work at Outward Bound as an instructor, but our dates are not advertised on the website, please get in touch!
Have I got enough experience to be an instructor?
It's best to complete an Instructor Application Form and Summary of Previous Experience form, and send these to our training manager. You can find these here.
We're happy to give you feedback once we've received your information.
What is an instructors work schedule like?
View all our Frequently Asked Questions
Generally you are contracted to work 200 days per year, including staff training (20 days). Typically you work 17 days of each 21 day course, you get 4 days off during course time and at least 5 days off between courses.
You don't work more than 9 days in a row. After working 5 courses you'll often get 5-6 weeks off, twice a year.
Wellington Team
Wellington is the home of our ‘administration’ hub. Our office on Queens Wharf houses our CEO, enrolments team, marketing, and finance and funding. We’re always here to help, so if you are local or visiting Wellington, please come in and see us!
Victor Klap: CEO
Amanda Fogarty: Enrolments Manager
Tina van Dijk: Commercial Manager
Karla Paotonu: Funds Development Manager
Pam Francombe: Funding Coordinator
Caroline Campbell: Funding Administrator
Paul Lancaster: Accounts Administrator
Dee Shuker: Business Analyst
Katy Glenie: Marketing Manager
Abbey Packer: Marketing Coordinator
Jayde Meech: Business Courses Manager
Rachael Frear: Business Enrolments Coordinator
James Wilson: Business Development Manager
Krishan Kumar: Relationship Manager
Lisa Healy: Relationship Manager
Lauren Blears: Enrolments Coordinator
Carissa Thane: Administration Support
Jill Kerr: Administration Support
Anakiwa Team
The school in Anakiwa is where the Outward Bound magic happens. The school sees at least 2,000 students a year, so there’s a large team to manage the intakes. Along with our course instructors, there a number of administration staff and nurses based at the school on a day to day basis.
Simon Graney: School Director
Jon Lasenby: Training Manager
Kelly Hamilton: Course Design Manager
Hamish Reid: Safety Manager
Catherine Kircher: Operations Manager
Rowena Williams: Business Manager
Ruth Schaffer: Administrator
Donna Drusky: Medical Screener / Registered Nurse
Simone Zillwood: Medical Screener
Marcel Rood: Catering Manager
Vic Koller: Maintenance Manager