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.

Alice P

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia Ora!! I was born and raised in the mighty Rotovegas, where we have lovely rivers and lakes right in our backyard. Family holidays were usually spent camping, so my love for the outdoors started at a young age.

After finishing high school I headed down south to get a Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding on the best coast... the West Coast. Since graduating I have had the privilege to work a range of jobs here in NZ and around the world. Rafting in Queenstown, sliding down waterfalls in Japan while eating incredible food, kayaking in the jungles of Central America and teaching skiing/snowboarding to all ages during winters.

Since moving back to NZ my main base has been down in Wanaka before decided that it was time to relocate to Anakiwa.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

Having moved around so much in the past, the idea of staying in one place with an awesome community where the work was rewarding and the company was hugely supportive was too good to pass up.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Every day is different! Weather, route conditions, students all keep me on my toes. Also helping people rise to challenges and exceed their own expectations is wonderfully rewarding.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Can I choose all of them...?

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

Off on a mission somewhere.

Angie

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I was born in Whangarei and grew up in Whanganui, spending heaps of time in Taranaki and the Whanganui River. I have a huge passion for the ngahere and the land and strong connections with Te Ao Maori.

I've hung out in the bush a lot, mainly tramping, hunting and chilling by rivers or in sunny clearings. Most recently I have enjoyed some rock climbing, a wee bit of white water and have begun to dabble in caving.

After completing a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure at Whitireia Polytech in Kapiti, I worked for a season as a sea kayak guide in the Abel Tasman and moved on to Whenua Iti Outdoors, in Moutere for a few years, before joining the multi-coloured group of instructors here at Outward Bound.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

The diversity of skills required and the opportunity to help people grow and improve our communities.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

The staff are hardcase, the locations are glorious and watching the students grow is very rewarding.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Pad Thai and cheesecake.

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

Walking around the hills with dogs or running a rest home for animals with hooves and paws.

Brydhi

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia Ora! I grew up in Muriwai Beach on the West Coast of the North Island. Right from the get-go, I've always been in, on, and around the water. I was heavily involved in the local lifesaving club since I was 5 which really sparked my curiosity for water adventures. I studied a bachelor of outdoor education at university where is was able to do a full year placement in a high school with an incredible outdoor ed programme. I was then rewarded with my first instructing job working for Hillary Outdoors (OPC) on Great Barrier Island.

Since then I have focused on contracting around the country working for a bunch of high schools, with a strong focus on their whitewater kayaking programmes.

Most recently I have returned home from two '6 month summers' in the Southeast of the states and a 2-year stint in Canada where I was predominantly kayaking, trail running and trying to explore as much as possible in the mountains.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

When I was 18 I received a scholarship to attend a Classic Outward Bound course. It planted the seed for my passion for outdoor instructing and I asked my instructors what I had to do to be one of them. They said to keep doing what you're doing and go off to gain some good life skills through travel and exploration, then come back when you're 25 and apply. So I did just that, and here I am!

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Working here alongside other great instructors with their wealth of knowledge is incredible.
And also seeing the passion that the students bring to the course, diving deep into the unknown for a lot of them.
 

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Gnoccccccchi or vanilla wine biscuits and cheese when the secret cupboard is open.
  

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

Adventure filmmaker, or at least trying to be one.

Caitlin

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Kia Ora! I grew up in Matamata in the mighty Waikato. I spent most of my time in and around the water, as both a swimmer and a rower. I studied a Bachelors of Physical Education in Otago, where my zest for outdoor adventures was sparked, getting involved in a local company rafting and sea kayak guiding.

After University I had the opportunity to take up Hiking Guiding in the magestic Fiordland, and further afield in Tasmania and Central Australia. I ended working for Outward Bound Australia for a while, dodging spiders and snakes in rewarding expeditions where I saw people awaken to their own potential.

Since then I have worked in and around the South Pacific, working with autistic youth, teaching, and guiding.

Most recently I have come full circle back to Outward Bound but this time in my home country! Loving it.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

The hearty adventures to be had, the little glistening moments of self-awareness when people realise they are capable of much more than they previously imagined.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Learning and growing both from the amazing and diverse instructing community, but also with each group as they undertake a unique Outward Bound course.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Chocolate Brownie. That’s a meal in itself.

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

I’m just glad Plan A worked out!

Claire

Tell us a little bit about yourself

A southern girl at heart, I grew up in Gore enjoying the variety of landscapes and adventures that the Deep South offers.

After studying Social Work at Otago University, I went on to work in addictions and mental health with adolescents in both Dunedin and Timaru. A bit of a change in the wind saw me then work for 5 years as a hiking guide in both New Zealand and Nepal, before joining the Outward Bound whānau.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

OB had long been on my radar as a ‘one day’ job. I really enjoy working with people and utilising the environment around us to help elicit some epic outcomes for positive change. Outward Bound is an organisation that carries a lot of mana with it, and it had been recommended to me by lots of mates who have worked here in the past. I did my time doing the 9-5 office-based job, but for me, tramping, sailing, climbing, paddling and adventuring is a much better fit!

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

The OB environment is one of incredible support, growth, challenge, natural beauty and community. It’s a huge privilege to be a part of what the school offers.

Besides that, Marlborough is a great playground and the staff family at OB are a pretty sweet crew to hang out with.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Lasagna!! And any one of Marcel’s specialty dessert cakes he whips up.

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

Trying to find adventures somewhere!

Dylan

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I was born and raised in Christchurch and fell in love with the outdoors through our high school outdoor pursuits class. We’d go snowboarding each week through winter and went on white water kayaking trips in the spring / summer. That led me to CPIT (now ARA) after finishing school to study a bachelor of sustainability and outdoor education. From there I spent the last 6 years river guiding and paddling over in the UK and Europe while keeping a bit of a base in Queenstown.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

The work is incredibly rewarding and I get to do all of the things I love to do for a job.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Meeting new people from all walks of life and seeing how stoked they are when they overcome challenges.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Love the roasts!

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

Good question. I suppose guiding a river somewhere but you never know what awesome opportunities flow your way!

Guy

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Born and raised in the UK, I first visited Aotearoa in 2000 to see family down in Southland and have been working here since 2015.

I started kayaking as a kid and quickly developed a passion for rivers. After being distracted by a couple of bouts of University and a couple of years high school teaching I managed to escape.

Intermittent paddling adventures became endless summers, guiding rafts and teaching kayaking. Whitewater rafting here in NZ and expedition based outdoor education on rivers in the USA have been the most consistent elements. I’ve also been lucky enough to work rivers in Canada, Nepal, India and Iceland.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

Early in 2021 I met Alice (current OB Instructor) through a mutual friend and she suggested I apply to OB. I knew nothing of what I was in for and I'm really enjoying polishing the education tools again, learning a heap more and also building a whole bunch of new technical skills too.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Doing good work with good people in beautiful places.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Last dinner was a mean beef roast and the salad game here is strong too.

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

Playing in the rivers and sleeping in the dirt.

Harley

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up in beautiful Marahau, next door to the Abel Tasman national park. It was a perfect wee spot to develop a love for the outdoors, and to get an appreciation for all the diversity life can bring.

I went on to study Ecology and Marine Biology in Wellington, a place that seemed delightfully foreign and urban to small-town-me at the time. From there I went on to spend the next ten or so years working in adventure tourism, kayak guiding back in the Abel Tasman and in the Norwegian Fjords.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

After working in tourism for so long I began to see that some aspects of the industry didn't quite line up with my personal values, I was interested more in the education and growth that the outdoors have to offer. Just as I was pondering that I had an interesting chat with an instructor here, which planted the seed of the idea, and here I am.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

It's awesome having a student hit that moment or realisation when they're working on something difficult. Definitely a moment to celebrate. Anakiwa is a beautiful place to live too.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Is dessert a meal? It doesn't matter, Banoffee Pie is my favourite, no contest.

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

Good question. I'd be outdoor guiding or instructing some beautiful remote place for sure.

Jit

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Originally from South London, went to the University of Southampton and got a degree in Civil Engineering before realising that's not what I want to do, and have worked in the outdoors ever since.

My work has taken me around the world. I originally came to New Zealand to freelance on a working holiday visa before being coerced into applying for Outward Bound by two friends, and I'm very glad they did!

What attracted you to working at OB?          

I'd moved around for the last 7 years, so the idea of being in one place and not living out of one bag was a great appeal. Having spent a year freelancing, I found that New Zealand is a place I'd like to call home, so the opportunity to hang on for another 3 years also cinched it.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Introducing people to the outdoors and helping them realise what they hold important in life.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Daggy Pad Thai with caramelised jelly beans.

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

Something else that allows me to work with others outside.

Kate

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Tomerdingen is the tiny village where I grew up - sounds funny? It's German! And all german words sound funny when you try to pronounce them. 12 years ago I travelled to New Zealand for a working holiday visa after I finished high school and fell in love with the beauty of this unique spot on earth, with te moana, te whenua and the unknown yet so strong and vibrant Māori culture. Back in Germany I studied dance education and worked many years as a dance teacher for international social projects.

My travels and love for the outdoors allowed me to discover incredible places around the world and led me into outdoor education. I started in Kingston, Canada as a canoe guide and later on worked several years for Outward Bound in Germany. It's my passion to create a life in which I can share my inspiration and love for the natural world with others by interacting in harmonious ways with people and the fascinating parts of this planet.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

After I observed a Mind Body Soul course at Anakiwa, I was fascinated by the massive impact it had on each student and on me. Walk the talk - this is how I would describe what I observed from the OB instructors and the whole organisation.

The huge emphasis on the Kaupapa, the continual pursuit of greatness and the reintegration and appreciation of Māori culture into our daily lives makes this place so special.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

I find fulfilment in work that serves the greater good and I believe this is a place that advocates this idea.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

I may pick only one??

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

An outdoor Yoga teacher.

Luke

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I'm from Lower Hutt in Wellington. I studied for a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Tourism at Whitireia Polytech in Kapiti. I then went on to be a Sea Kayak Guide for one season and then I moved to Australia for 3 years working in outdoor education.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

A combination of finding myself at a crossroads with what I wanted to do with my career, and an overwhelming amount of positive reviews from people who have previously and currently work here.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

You really get to immerse yourself in your work. You literally live and breathe Outward Bound and as a result, I've found myself wanting to get better at what I do and take full advantage of all the learning and teaching that happens here. The food is pretty good too...

What’s your favourite OB meal?

I may get a few funny looks with this answer but id have to say the cereal. I'm a huge fan of cereal. Greatest thing since sliced bread I reckon!

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

Running my own surf school on some tropical beach.

Nicole

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up in the Mojave Desert in southern California near Los Angeles where my curiosity of exploring the outdoors began. I have a varied educational background including Bachelor of Arts Degrees in History and German (UC Davis), a Certificate in Regenerative Ecological Design (ECOSA Institute) and a Diploma in Adventure Tourism (NMIT).

Before coming to New Zealand I worked in Portland, Oregon at a bicycle advocacy non-profit where I worked on a number of different teams including fundraising, volunteer management, outreach and encouragement programs. I loved connecting with people and I found the days I got paid to ride my bike and help others smash through personal barriers to biking were my favorite. After a few months of travelling and tramping around New Zealand, I decided to stay and study and pursue a new career path working in the outdoors.

In my free time I love keeping active, playing soccer, dancing and biking. And on my days off you're most likely to find me playing in the kitchen or doing a crossword with my morning coffee.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

I have always been a change agent and a people person. The outdoors has been a significant place of healing and personal growth in my own journey and I wanted to create that opportunity for others. I feel my personal ethos aligns with OB's mission, "Better People. Better Communities. Better World."

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

I love getting to know my students and watch them grow. It's great to see them open up and learn about themselves over their course. I'm also so inspired by their resilience. They can be totally peaking during an activity, or continually falling down, but at the end of the day still come home with a smile.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Ricotta Balls, even though I definitely shouldn't eat them (lactose intolerant). The curries are always amazing, and you just can't beat fresh bread and dessert at every dinner!

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

Doing something in social activism. Like I said above, I've always been a change agent, and I'd be happy working for an organization where I get to help people improve their lives.

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!

Robbie

Tell us a little bit about yourself

The deep south is where I was born and I've had a few home towns as we moved around a lot growing up. I studied Outdoor Adventure for 2 years on the Kapiti Coast, from there moving to Fiordland to work as a sea kayak guide.

I spent 6 years living in Fiordland doing a variety of guiding work which allowed me to see more of my beautiful backyard. In between the summer seasons, I either found some part-time work or travelled the world. My favourite experience whilst travelling would have been getting up close with the mountain gorillas in Uganda.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

I had heard a lot about how amazing OB was from my tutors. But it was when I watched a documentary showing how much of a positive impact OB had on those past students that it sparked a serious interest for me.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Being able to share my passion for the great outdoors with students is what I love the most about this job.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

All the meals here are top-notch!! Flapjacks included.

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

Fulltime Dad :)

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

Sofie

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I come from the far north, almost as far north as you can possibly get - Norway, a country the size of New Zealand with the north pole as its neighbor. Growing up, my parents dragged me and my siblings to a new country every 1 to 3 years, so naturally, I continued this way of life as an adult.

In my early twenties, I studied fine arts for four years before I eventually got fed up with city life and hitched a ride with a sailboat to the Caribbean. A year later I was the proud owner of a rusty sailboat and I haven't looked back since.

I can now say I come from a background of blue water sailing and sea kayak guiding. The latter led me to New Zealand four years ago, thanks to a big smiling kiwi fella I met while sea kayak guiding in Norway - we now live together here at Outward Bound.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

Working as a sea kayak guide, I met a lot of jaded guides and a lot of clients who didn't care. A search for purpose and a job that aligned with my personal values is what led me to this place.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Getting to work full time in the outdoors of course! Also, and more importantly, seeing the growth in students, and seeing them do things they didn't think they were able to do.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

I'm predominantly plant-based unless it's venison spag bol night. I think I've become slightly addicted to spag bol.

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

Eating less freeze-dried food.

Stephen

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up around Athens, Georgia (USA) and went to a small college in the Appalachian mountains called Young Harris College. This is where I fell in love with the outdoors.

I majored in Outdoor Leadership while beginning my outdoor career as a raft guide on the Ocoee River in Tennessee. I’ve lived in California as a camp counsellor and most recently lived in Australia working as an outdoor instructor leading year 7-10 students through outdoor expeditions.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

I was attracted to OB because of the length of the courses and the tangible change you can see in the students. Also, having the sea in your front yard is amazing!

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Taking the students out to sea and getting to experience the wildlife up close. The diversity of marine life is jaw-dropping and it makes you feel like an excited kid every time without fail.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

My favourite meal would probably be anything Marcel has cooked after I've come off a 3-day scheme!!

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

I’d probably be on a river somewhere working as a raft guide.

Tanika

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up in Titahi Bay (a coastal suburb in Porirua) within a tight-knit community that loved to explore the outdoors. Once I completed High School, I intended on taking a ‘gap year’ studying outdoor education at Whitireia Polytech but ended up falling in love with this field and decided to make a career out of it.

After graduating with a diploma in Outdoor Adventure Tourism I spent two and a half years delivering outdoor education in Australia at OEG, and like a lot of kiwis abroad, COVID lead me back home to Aotearoa.

What attracted you to working at OB?          

Years ago my sisters completed a Leaps & Bounds course at Outward Bound. I remember how they spoke about their experiences with such excitement and enthusiasm. I remember thinking how awesome it would be to be a part of something like that one day.

Connecting with people, and empowering others to challenge themselves is such rewarding work. I also love being able to work amongst nature, particularly in the incredible native bush. Outward Bound is the best of both worlds!

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

The OB whānau are such supportive and like-minded people. I am inspired by the way they are passionate about making a difference. I also love how there is an emphasis on giving and receiving feedback. It means that I learn new things every day.

As a bonus, Anakiwa is an epic base with an outdoor playground right on our doorstep!

What’s your favourite OB meal?

I can get around all the vegetarian options, especially anything involving mushrooms!

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

A police woman, and definitely think I will be one day.

Tristan

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I grew up in the little town of Mangawhai in Northland. I spent a fair bit of time around the ocean and the bush in the early years and grew a huge passion for playing outside. 

Having always been attracted to outside work I started in logging straight out of school, while maintaining a part time commitment to the NZ Army as a reservist. Over the years I have been in and out of the bush but decided to make a career out of the outdoors after studying at Wintec in Hamilton. 

I was fortunate enough to travel and instruct overseas before coming back to NZ and taking a job as a Sea Kayak guide in Fiordland. After a couple seasons down south I moved to Canada where I married my wife and my daughter was born. After arriving home from Canada I have found myself here in Anakiwa, ready for every day I am given in this beautiful place.

What attracted you to working at OB?          
OB has always been held in high esteem in the Outdoor world. I saw coming to OB as a way to work in the industry I love, but with a purpose I have not experienced in other jobs.

What do you most enjoy about being an OB Instructor?

Never ending supply of flapjacks.

What’s your favourite OB meal?

Flapjacks.

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

If I wasn't an OB instructor I would probably be working in forestry, waiting for the weekends to climb rock, run rivers and play in the bush.