At 75 years young, Hazel Nash continues to exemplify visionary leadership. Her legacy as the founder of Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO) reflects a lifetime dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through outdoor education.
It was a dream of self-sufficiency that motivated Hazel to move to a block of land in Lower Moutere. Shocked to learn that only 40% of Motueka High School’s students had visited nearby Abel Tasman National Park, she took action. In 1985, she founded Whenua Iti Outdoors in 1985 on her home property, with a plan to offer opportunities for holistic learning in the outdoors. The first courses were holiday programmes for children, closely followed by outdoor adventure courses for women – at a time when they were not ‘in vogue’. Longer multi-month programmes soon followed, designed to help the unemployed re-enter the workforce.
Hazel’s determination was evident from the start, accompanied by her characteristic sense of humour. When the Waimea County Council rejected her initial application to start courses, Hazel’s response was unwavering: “Well, we’re doing it anyway, we’ve got a course starting next week!” Suffice to say, here we are today, 38 years later!
Hazel’s hands-on approach has been instrumental in shaping WIO. She was an instructor for the first 16 years, often running courses from her home and kitchen. She found ways to connect with participants from all walks of life, encouraging them to share their experiences and self-reflect, helping to transform the lives of many.
Hazel’s leadership style focused on empowerment, safety, and support for participants. She intentionally fostered an environment where participants were encouraged to grow at their own pace. This approach set WIO apart from other outdoor education programmes and in 1998 Hazel was awarded the NZ Order of Merit for Services to Youth.
Beyond her formal roles of instructor and trustee, Hazel has been a mentor to many participants and staff members, earning admiration and love from those she has guided over the years.
Even in her later years, Hazel’s adventurous spirit shines. A keen mountaineer, she has summited peaks including Aconcagua in Argentina, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Elbrus in Russia, and Australia’s Kosciuszko—describing the latter as “a nice walk in the park.”
Hazel’s contributions to outdoor recreation are best understood as a whole-of-life endeavour, reflecting her lifelong commitment to outdoor education and community development. Her work, particularly in founding Whenua Iti Outdoors, is a testament to her vision and dedication. Since its inception, WIO has welcomed over 62,000 participants through its doors.
But Hazel hasn’t stopped yet. Last year, she established Wharepapa Enviro Haven, a residential conservation-focused initiative. Once again, she invested her resources and energy into creating a space that others can share, inviting them to be part of a broader vision that takes care of the environments we recreate in.
Hazel’s commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi has been woven into her actions and decisions over the years. She named her ‘little piece of land’ Whenua Iti, reflecting her philosophy of fostering growth from something small and precious. Upon realising the sensitivities of naming something with an ingoa Māori, Hazel actively engaged with the local marae, Te Āwhina. She sought approval for both the name and the ethos of the centre, which was granted by kaumātua Tom Bailey. This experience deepened her understanding of cultural exchange and partnership, shaping her approach to inclusivity at WIO. This philosophy influenced her to support graduates like Michael Elkington in embedding kaupapa Māori activities into WIO as early as 2000.
Hazel’s authenticity and extraordinary ability to inspire personal growth through outdoor experiences have touched people from all walks of life. Guided by her strong convictions, she envisioned a future where outdoor education could foster confidence and self-esteem—and she brought that vision to life. The enduring success of Whenua Iti Outdoors stands as a testament to her remarkable legacy, one that continues to inspire and uplift us all.
Hazel was recently recognised with Recreation Aotearoa’s Te Tohu Manu Kura, the Supreme Award 2024 for demonstrating outstanding leadership in the outdoor recreation sector. He mihi maioha ki a koe e Hazel! He rangatira koe e raranga ana i ngā tāngata. E tupu ake ana te aroha mō te taiao. We love you Hazel!