NZOIA Excellence Awards winners announced

Media release
3 October 2016

NZOIA Excellence Awards winners announced

The New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA) has recognised eight outstanding individuals from across the country for their unique achievements in outdoor instruction.

The NZOIA Excellence Awards were presented on Saturday night during the organisation’s National Training Symposium at Hillary Outdoors Tongariro, near National Park Village.

Dave Moore, a training manager at Burnham Military Camp’s New Zealand Army Leadership Centre, near Christchurch, received the Tall Totara Award. The prestigious award is presented to a current instructor who personifies 'excellence in outdoor instruction’.

NZOIA Chair Gillian Wratt said Mr Moore was highly qualified in a variety of disciplines, from kayaking to rock-climbing. He was highly regarded as a mentor and was a great role model for budding instructors, she said.

“Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated both high technical competence and a personal approach to his work. He has convened the NZOIA Technical Subcommittee for the past three years and has regularly engaged across the sector to keep the outdoor instruction industry moving forward.”

The Emerging Instructor Award went to Jonathan Harding, an instructor at Dilworth Rural Campus in Mangatawhiri. The award recognises an instructor who displays great potential for the future, and who demonstrates strong commitment to professional development and qualification acquisition.

Ms Wratt said Mr Harding was an exceptionally keen kayaker and a source of inspiration to his students and peers.

“He is described by his colleagues as unflappable and passionate, a man of integrity and exceptional character who goes the extra mile to be a positive and influential role model in the lives of the people he instructs,” she said.

Six Budding Instructor Awards were also presented last night. This award is aimed at students who have a passion for outdoor instruction and show great potential for further involvement in the industry beyond their studies.

The six recipients were Allan Carpenter (Auckland University of Technology), Ben Cockell (Whitireia New Zealand), Blythe Southern (ARA Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch Campus), Chris Mackie (Tai Poutini Polytechnic), Tom Batts (Hillary Outdoors, Tertiary Programme), and Zoe Findlay (ARA Institute of Canterbury, Timaru Campus).

“Every one of these people stands out for their exceptional energy and commitment, and for the positive difference they make in the lives of those they instruct, guide and work with. It’s great to see motivated and skilled young leaders coming into the outdoor sector,” Ms Wratt said.

NZOIA is the qualification body for nine outdoor disciplines. This year’s symposium, which ends today, included workshops on rope rescue and rigging, kayaking and river rescue techniques, rock-climbing and abseiling, as well as other courses to keep instructor skills up to date.

ENDS

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