A mix of adventure, personal challenge, education and the outdoors help people to develop and grow.
Our Mission Statement
It is our mission to encourage the holistic development of individuals through outdoor experiences.
Triple Bottom Line Report
Each year Whenua Iti Outdoors produces a triple bottom line report that looks at our performance over the past 12 months.
Click here to look at this report.
In the beginning there was one woman with a dream. In the early 1980s Hazel Nash started working from her 7.5 hectares of land in Lower Moutere to use her skills, time, and land for the holistic development of others, particularly young people. She gathered friends and benefactors and began running courses with a homespun approach, using volunteer tutors, donated equipment, private homes and a hay barn.
In 1986 Whenua Iti Outdoors became a registered charitable trust. In 1998 Hazel was awarded the NZ Order of Merit for Services to Youth. We have now worked with over 18,000 people, keeping the spirit of Whenua Iti alive in our philosophy and guiding principles.
At the Top of New Zealand’s South Island in the Nelson/Tasman region we have got it all – high sunshine hours and three National Parks: Kahurangi, Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes.
This region is a natural playground for every type of outdoor recreational activity, offering unique natural landscapes from oceans, rocky or snow-clad mountains, crystal clear rivers, superb native forest and beautifully sculptured limestone caves. We hold concessions to use the DOC estate for our activities.
While we enjoy, play and educate in the outdoors we respect and protect the environment and have made environmental education part of our programmes.
The board
Penny Molnar joined the Board in 1994 Chairman since Nov 2009. I have been a Community Development worker in the Nelson region for many years. I am particularly passionate about the role the outdoor environment can have on uplifting people's lives, especially when introduced and led by skilled and committed leaders. Whenua Iti always manages to attract such people. My first comprehensive outdoor adventures were with a women's group lead by a Whenua Iti tutor. I was on a 'high' for weeks afterwards.
Hazel Nash (founder) has a background in teaching and the police. Her initial role was as the Outdoor Pursuits Director. In 2000 Hazel resigned from the staff as a tutor but maintains an active interest in Whenua Iti and remains on the Board. She was awarded the NZ Order of Merit (ONZM) for Services to Youth in 1998.
Chris Clenshaw born in England in 1943 migrated to western Australia in 1969, married Eleanor a kiwi, in Perth 1971. Has 2 great children now 28 and 30 both living in Aussie.
Business wise: spent 42 years in the Real Estate industry. Specialised in commercial and industrial development and syndicated investment. Qualified Land economist and Valuer Fellow Society Valuers and Land economists. In Nelson, partner in First National Real estate Group with 5 officers. Sold business 2002.
Interests: Trout and sea fishing, rugby, the great outdoors, business mentoring. Councilor of Fish and Game Board NZ. Board member of Whenua Iti Trust.
Brigid Ryan specialises in project management and research on social and economic development, especially at the local government/regional level. Up until 2000, she was involved for five years with the Bertlesmann 'Cities in Tomorrow' project, meeting regularly with more than 100 representatives of central and local government agencies from Europe, U.S, Japan, Scandanavia and U.K to discuss issues for youth, seniors and employment/regional economic development.
Brigid managed employment services for Canterbury Development Corporation for six years in Christchurch and was instrumental in establishing the Actionworks youth employment programme as well as the Third Age Foundation focusing on isssues for older workers.
Brigid completed the Social Wellbeing Priorities report for Nelson City in 2002 and has just completed the 'Settling In Nelson Tasman' report on social services needs for migrants and refugees settling in this region. Her degree in Education from Canterbury University focused on social equity issues. She has 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren and lives with her husband on a lifestyle block in Mapua.
Rod Markham University of Canterbury BE (Mechanical) Formerly property Manager Otago Polytechnic 2000-2007, moved to Motueka in 2007 and built a home in the Lower Moutere valley. Rod is married with 3 daughters. Rod enjoys cycling, kayaking and sailing as a way to see more of New Zealand and has been involved in multisport events including the Southern Traverse and Coast to Coast. Rod is past president of the Rotary Club of Dunedin and until recently member of the Board of Presbyterian Support Otago.
Nigel McFadden Nigel commenced legal practice in Motueka in 1975 and remained there until 1987 when he moved to Nelson. He was the Chairperson of the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board for nine years and the Presiding Member of the Deportation Review Tribunal for four years. He is currently a Trustee on the Nelson Region Hospice Trust. Bar Admission: 1975 Christchurch.
The staff
Anne Grantham joined Whenua Iti Outdoors in March 2008. I was attracted to the mission of the organisation and believe that learning in the outdoors can offer people valuable understanding of themselves, the land, their environment and how they relate to others.Whenua Iti offers programmes for individuals from all walks of life. The benefits of learning in the outdoors can help people develop emotional stability, flexibility, and self esteem. People can gain a real sense of well-being after attending our courses which they can build on as they continue to make healthy choices for themselves.
We are extremely lucky to live in this region which offers so many opportunities to experience the stunning Tasman sea on the edge of the Abel Tasman National Park as well as the awesome Kaharangi National Park within minutes of the Whenua Iti campus which is surrounded by native plants and trees.
Rae Dozell is passionate about protecting our Natural Environment for future generations. “I love working for Whenua Iti Outdoors because I believe it teaches respect for the environment and encourages individuals to reach their potential through a range of challenging outdoor activities. I enjoy spending time exploring our National Parks and encouraging others to get out there and have a go, as they say every journey starts with one small step.”
Charlie Martin has been involved in teaching outdoor pursuits for the last 15 years. I began my working career in the office but soon realised that my passion lay in being in the hills and sharing the outdoors with others. I love living in the Nelson region and totally enjoy the work I do at Whenua Iti.
Johnny Johnson has done almost everything the outdoor sector offers from working as a ski-field lifty to tutoring at Outward Bound. His passions are kayaking and climbing and he loves working in the outdoor environment.
Karen Bruce despite growing up in the U.K, New Zealand is home and in particular Nelson and the playgrounds this region offers. “I enjoy sharing the outdoor environment with others. Time on the tops is special and time on the water is great fun. If it’s not a day of R&R at home, then you’ll find me out there, working or playing”.
Lizz Conroy is passionate about working and playing in the fabulous playground of Nelson: “In my life I have enthusiastically (mostly) embraced change, knowing that there is so much in the world that is exciting, fulfilling and most importantly, FUN. And when I can be part of encouraging others to seek growth and change, that is such a gift.”
Catharine Wood “I strongly believe in the benefits of learning and personal development in an environment outside the classroom. I am excited to assist in providing this opportunity to people in our region.” With two young children of her own she is passionate about providing them with opportunities to experience our wonderful ready-made outdoor playground.
All tutors are industry qualified and passionate about delivering outstanding experiences that make a difference. By using trained professionals Whenua Iti Outdoors maintains its excellent safety systems and record.
Our patron Nathan Fa’avae, multi-sport champion
In the winter of 1988, a 16 year old arrived at Whenua Iti Outdoors for a 12 week course for youth. This was the beginning of a life changing journey that would lead to becoming the Patron of Whenua Iti, some 16 years later:“Whenua Iti Outdoors taught me 3 major lessons: It opened the door for me into the wilderness, I learnt to be a good person and the true meaning of hard work. These 3 lessons have become my life.”
