Symposium Survey

A huge thanks to all those who ran workshops and refreshers at the Symposium, and also a thanks to our hosts NMIT and Rotoiti Lodge. Another awesome Symposium done and dusted. We really appreciate your feedback - whether you did or didn't attend the Symposium.

Click here to fill out the 5 min survey


NZRA - Into the Outdoors new initiative

NZRA are excited to announce a new initiative that is aimed at getting people into the outdoors. $50k per annum of their investment from Sport NZ will be distributed to initiatives that are targeted at people who don't normally participate in outdoor recreation. Details are nearly finalised and keep an eye out for a call for expressions of interest around mid-October.

NZOIA Excellence Awards recipients for 2017! 

Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2017 Excellence Awards:

The Tall Totara award
Recipient: John Furminger 
This award is presented to an instructor who personifies excellence in outdoor leadership. Tall Totara award recipients are highly respected role models who have contributed significantly to outdoor education in New Zealand.
 
Over 40 years, John Furminger has worked to develop what are now some of the stand-out outdoor education programmes for young people in New Zealand. These programmes include Motutapu Outdoor Adventure Camp, Tihoi Adventure School and the St Cuthbert’s College Kahunui outdoor education campus. At each of these, he and his wife Christine have improved programmes and mentored young outdoor leaders.
 

The Emerging Guide award
Recipient: Cameron Walker 
The Emerging Guide award is awarded to someone in their first three years guiding employment who has displayed great potential, talent and commitment to a career in guiding.
 
In addition to Antarctic and alpine expeditions, Cameron Walker has made a significant contribution to alpine search and rescue. He has also been recognised for time and effort spent in training and developing his skillset, and is heavily involved in instruction courses for guiding companies, the tertiary sector and the New Zealand Alpine Club.


The Emerging Instructor award
Recipient: Rata Lovell Smith
The Emerging Instructor awarded is presented to an instructor in their first five years of employment in the outdoor industry who displays great potential for the future.
 
Rata Lovell-Smith was nominated for her outstanding technical skills, and ability to inspire people from all walks of life. She has received accolades from many outdoor instruction companies for her hands-on approach and ability to add value for anyone she works with.
 

Tertiary Awards
Recipients: Kevin Burgess (Tai Poutini Polytechnic), Michael Edh (Otago Polytechnic), Tamara Kinast (Hillary Outdoors), Jamie Marr (Ara Institute of Canterbury), Aimee Sanson (Whitireia Polytechnic), Brando Yelavich (NMIT)
This award is aimed at students in their final year of study who have a passion for outdoor instruction and show great potential for further involvement in the industry beyond study.
 
This year’s recipients have a variety of fascinating stories, including Dunedin’s Michael Edh, who recovered from a life-changing injury to complete his study at Otago Polytechnic. No less inspiring is Brando ‘Wildboy’ Yelavich, the first person to circumnavigate the coastline of New Zealand on foot, who authored two books and juggles his study at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology with his own adventure business.
 
Tamara Kinast of Hillary Outdoors, Jamie Marr of Aoraki Polytechnic and Aimee Sanson from Whitireia Polytechnic were nominated for their all-round abilities, teaching skills and commitment to study. Kevin Burgess of Tai Poutini Polytechnic was nominated for his success in coordinating a four-day leadership camp for students of Westland High School.
 

Q: Why aren't I receiving the 4YA anymore?

A:  If you haven't paid your 2017/18 Membership fees, this will be the last 4YA you receive, as you drop off our system from 1 October. A reminder letter will be out in the mail shortly to those who haven't yet renewed. Your continued support is appreciated. Please contact the office if you have any questions.