At POET, our people are key to our success and are committed to creating the best possible outcomes for students, schools, and communities alike.

As it was for everyone else, 2020 was a challenging year for our team.  The highs and lows of preparing for camps and events only to have them postponed at the last minute and working with schools who themselves were under so much pressure was tough at times.   

Our programme coordinator Donald Matheson started with us in April 2014 and left us to head to the Department of Conservation late in 2020. Whilst we were sad to see him leave, it was heartening to see how he had developed with us over the years and was able to move into an area he is passionate about.  It did leave Brian flying solo in term 4 with 8 camps to pull together.  He really stepped up to the plate and got on with what was needed.

Donald’s successor Sophie Milne has hit the ground running and is being ably supported by Brian. Both Brian and Sophie have a strong interest in adventure therapy and it is exciting to see how this can be incorporated into POET programmes.

Our board has also had a change.  We have been fortunate to have Rob Hamill as a Board Director since 2015. Rob has bought humour and diversity of thought to our organisation. Rob’s on an overseas sailing adventure with his family and has regrettably had to tender his resignation.