It’s fair to say we were a little bit chuffed to be the recipients of the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Mediaworks NZ Medium Business Award for 2019. As a charitable trust in the field of education, we are not often perceived as a ‘business’, yet we need to run effectively as one to achieve positive change in the community through our programmes. The business accolade, alongside our excellent EER Report from NZQA has rounded off a successful 2019 for Whenua Iti Outdoors!
Pip Lynch, the Board Chair of Whenua Iti Trust, was there on the night to receive the award, alongside staff & board members. The Chamber had put on their largest night yet, with over 560 attendees at the awards. It was a change to see staff and board members dressed up for a black tie event instead of the usual tramping boots & jandals!
What impressed us the most on the night, putting the glitz aside, was the number of awards recognising businesses who are passionate about the environment, the community & making a difference for our region. Including Abel Tasman Eco Tours and Hearing Nelson, Whenua Iti Outdoors was one of three businesses from the Motueka disctrict to receive an award on the night. All of these local businesses are driven to create a positive community impact.
Mark Bruce-Miller, our General Manager, returned from attending the Wilderness Risk Management Conference in the U.S. to find we had won the award. “This is not only a reflection of our wonderful and dedicated team, but of the support we continue to receive from our partners and funders who enable us to do what we do”, said Mark.
We are humbled and very proud to have received the award, and we see it as recognition for all the hard work that has been put in over the years to build Whenua Iti Outdoors to what it is today, by both current and past members of our extended whānau.
A heart-felt THANK YOU to everyone for being behind us. We couldn’t do it without you!
He waka eke noa. We’re all in this together.