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.

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.

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.

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!

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Luke D.

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.

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

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.

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??