I became aware of the work of POET during my time as a lecturer at the University of Waikato. As a teacher and researcher of outdoor education I was drawn to POET’s mission of making a difference in young people’s lives through place-responsive approaches to learning. One of the highlights of my time working in Waikato was attending a POET supported trip with Ngaruawahia High School students where we walked and paddled from Pukeatua, via Maungatautari, all the way back to the school.

I was exposed to the outdoors through sailing and kayaking; the former becoming a life-long passion. I’ve been fortunate to work in a variety of outdoor contexts in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. I was lucky (or silly) enough to spend one NZ summer in Norway working with outdoor ed students – no temperature to be at the beach!

Photo: cutting blocks of snow to build an igloo

I’m currently based in Auckland where I manage Coastguard Boating Education, the country’s largest provider of marine courses.
I’m still involved with working with young people in the outdoors through AUT and have been on several field trips with students on Sir Peter Blake’s ex-race yacht Steinlager 2.

Photo: Steinlager 2

When not splitting my time between Auckland and Hamilton I can be found with family members sailing around the Hauraki Gulf. A recent highlight included seeing 3 orca swimming under the boat at Tiritiri Matangi at Easter 2018. It’s a delight, and privilege, to share my love of the outdoors with the next generation of kiwis. Hopefully this love of the outdoors will lead to better environmental custodianship in the future.