Outdoor Sector Awards Honour Leadership and Innovation

Outdoor Sector Awards Honour Leadership and Innovation

November 5th 2014

At their recent annual Outdoor Sector Forum, Outdoors New Zealand honoured organisations and individuals who have achieved high respect and regard from their peers.

In recent years, and the past year in particular, the Outdoor Sector overall has been under intense media scrutiny as legislation and regulatory control has increased dramatically following some tragic deaths within the Adventure Tourism sector.

The role of Outdoors NZ is to act as a representative peak body on behalf of a very diverse range of organisations providing outdoor education, recreation and tourism activities to New Zealanders and our visitors. ONZ has been deeply involved in the development of new regulatory systems and expectations, as well as a range of other issues facing this particular industry.

Chair of ONZ, Josie Ogden Schroeder said “ there is no doubt that the outdoor sector in its widest definition is a pivotal part of the kiwi way of life and our international ‘tourism’ branding. The sector itself is not highly geared or resourced, and most organisations or companies working in this field are seasonal and low profit or charitable/voluntary in nature. The cultural change of a highly audited environment has been a difficult one for the sector to embrace due to financial/resource barriers, while at the same time there is a strong commitment by all ONZ members to demonstrating best practice in regards to safety.”

The ONZ annual forum was a chance for sector players to come together for learning, networking and peer support. An important part of this were the annual awards – which were given to the following organisations:

Environmental Award sponsored by the Hillary Centre (formerly the Sir Ed Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre)
Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp Trust
A not for profit camp catering predominantly to schools who have merged environmental education and curriculum outcomes into their outdoor education programme.

Programme Award sponsored by Education Outdoors NZ (EONZ) Gore High School
A school which has demonstrated innovation and best practice for their students in the Outdoor Education Programme, which includes core leadership abilities as well as technical skills. The school has recognised that the Outdoors is a unique and highly valuable arena for learning which is not matched in any classroom setting – and they have worked all aspects of the curriculum into their outdoor activities and journeys.

Organisation Award sponsored by OutdoorsNZ (ONZ)
St Andrews College Castle Hill Outdoor Centre

This outdoor centre has become a hub for the Castle Hill Village, community engagement complimenting their distinctive focus on Duke of Ed awards, bi-cultural awareness and sustainable practices.

Volunteer Award sponsored by the Mountain Safety Council (MSC)
Bob Mankelow

Bob’s CV includes LANDSAR, HUNTS and KK programmes, Rotary, NZ Army, volunteer at Ngatukoa Outdoor Education Camp, and assisting when the Rena came to grief. He has been recognised by Maritime NZ for rolling up his sleeves for the community when he and many others responded to NZ’s largest marine oil spill. The list of dedicated voluntary work Bob has to his name is nothing short of inspirational.

Supreme Award sponsored by Skills Active
Lindsay Simpkin (deceased)

The significant contribution of the late Lindsay Simpkin (1955-2014) was recognised by his colleagues at the recent Outdoors NZ 2014 Awards Ceremony. The citation included recognition of Lindsay’s work for the national instructors association; in establishing and leading the Adventure Specialties Trust; his commitment to the disadvantaged; his leadership role in preparing others for leadership roles; and his many contributions to outdoor education and recreation in NZ.

Lyndsay’s heart was particularly focused on those that were disadvantaged in some way and because of this legacy the Trust continues to serve those who are less fortunate.

Lyndsay was an influential leader in the outdoor industry and was the driver behind many new initiatives.

The awards ceremony was wrapped up with a moments silence while participants remembered those from the outdoor world who had passed on in 2014.

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ENDS

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