I recently just completed a 21-day Outward Bound course in Anakiwa, New Zealand, and saying that this course was life changing does not do it justice.
The last 3 weeks of tramping, sailing, kayaking, and cold swims has completely pushed me out of my comfort zone, in the best way possible. Being challenged physically and mentally has taught be unforgettable lessons in resilience, teamwork and self-discovery.
This incredible opportunity wouldn't have been possible without the support of my amazing team at Western Bay of Plenty District Council. A huge thank you to:
Our CEO, John Holyoake, for giving me the opportunity to go on this amazing experience. Your leadership inspires us to strive for excellence, and I’m grateful for your commitment to creating opportunities like this.
Charlene, for taking the time to book and organize everything seamlessly.
My colleagues and team members for their encouragement and support, making it easy to step away and fully immerse myself in this experience.
Some highlights that I have learned from this journey:
Leadership and Communication: Working together as a team in high pressure situations taught me the value of clear communication and mutual support.
Resilience: Facing unpredictable weather, steep hikes, sleepless nights and unfamiliar terrain helped me develop a mindset to tackle challenges head-on.
Appreciation for Nature: Spending three weeks immersed in New Zealand’s breathtaking wilderness strengthened my respect for the environment and deepened my understanding of kaitiakitanga—the Māori principle of guardianship and care for the natural world.
I am extremely grateful to have experience this opportunity, and for the amazing group of individuals I have bonded with over the last three weeks. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself, grow as an individual, or simply take a break from the digital world, I highly recommend exploring what Outward Bound has to offer!
(P.S.: Pro tip—ask people to send you snacks)