Outdoor instructors and guides gather for national training program

More than a hundred outdoor instructors and guides will descend on New Zealand’s central plateau next week for four days of training and refresher workshops, while also networking with their peers.

The National Training Symposium, run by the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA), will be held from 28th September to 2nd October at Hillary Outdoors Tongariro, near National Park Village.

Participants will take part in training and refresher workshops on activities such as rope rescue and rigging, river safety, bush and alpine activities, as well as kayaking and rock climbing.

NZOIA Chair Gillian Wratt said the annual event provides assessors, guides and instructors with opportunities to brush up on their skills, and to share their knowledge and experiences with others.

Wratt explains “the quality of our education, tourism and guiding industry depends on a well trained and qualified workforce. This event provides many opportunities for instructors and guides to learn more about their area of specialisation, revalidate their NZOIA qualifications and to refine their skills. It’s both instructive and fun.”

The NZOIA Excellence Awards will be presented during the symposium. The Tall Totara Award and Emerging Instructor Award recognise the highest achievements of individuals involved in outdoor recreation and education in New Zealand.

Last year’s Emerging Instructor Award went to Tim Shaw of Adventure Specialties Trust, who achieved four NZOIA qualifications in two years. Geraldine High School Head of Outdoor Education Drew Brown received the Tall Totara Award for his contribution to outdoor education.

Described by his peers as the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ of outdoor education, Brown created the school’s outdoor education programme. He also developed a high ropes course and a scholarship programme providing a pathway for students to work with local businesses.

NZOIA is the qualification body for nine outdoor activities or disciplines with three levels of qualification, which are recognised nationally as the industry standards. Its mission is to provide qualifications and training for New Zealand’s outdoor leaders through an internationally recognised assessment and registration body.

Image: Instructors taking part in the Alpine 1 Assessment at Turoa, Mt Ruapehu last month, courtesy Chris Prudden, www.alpineworks.co.nz

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