NBS has been one of Whenua Iti Outdoors’ most steadfast partners, helping young people access outdoor learning experiences that build confidence, resilience and connection. As we celebrate 40 years of experiential education in Nelson Tasman this year, their support stands out as an enduring community partnership, one that has shaped the lives of hundreds of local tamariki along the way.
Reinvesting in the community
NBS supports over 300 not-for-profit organisations, investing $1 million annually into community focused organisations. That has included supporting Whenua Iti Outdoors, helping reduce financial barriers for tamariki, whānau and schools throughout Nelson Tasman. Long term investment from NBS has helped to create the kind of personal development opportunities that matter to our participants and their families. Programmes at Whenua Iti rely on community investment to ensure we can continue to inspire local tamariki to develop into the kind of leaders our community needs in the future. NBS’s community investment priorities include youth wellbeing, inclusion and access, community connection, environmental sustainability and resilience, all strongly aligned with the outcomes WIO seeks for young people.
NBS Chief Transformation Officer Jake Bromwich recently got a taste of the Whenua Iti experience himself, joining WIO Chief Executive Mark Bruce-Miller on our high ropes course.
“That was definitely more challenging than I expected. There were a few more nerves than I anticipated and it’s harder than it looks. But that sense of achievement when you overcome something challenging is exactly what we’d love more young people in our region to experience,”
“Whenua Iti is a great example of that local impact in action. Young people gain confidence, form meaningful connections and develop skills that help them navigate challenges throughout their lives,”
“We’re proud to support Whenua Iti in creating opportunities for local tamariki and helping strengthen the future of our communities,”
“When people choose NBS, they’re helping us reinvest in the communities we serve.” – Jake Bromwich, NBS
What NBS support has meant for local schools
Last year, NBS’ support helped 46 students from Motueka High School and Upper Moutere School take part in Whenua Iti programmes. We expect a similar number of students to benefit again this year. Upper Moutere School Principal Heidi Olykan said the funding had made a meaningful difference for local tamariki.
“The opportunity for our tamariki to attend programmes at Whenua Iti is absolutely amazing and we could not have done it last year without funding from NBS, who made this possible for our kids.” – Heidi Olykan, UMS
A shared commitment to local young people
WIO Chief Executive Mark Bruce-Miller said community partnerships play an important role in making sure cost doesn’t become a barrier to participation.
“Forty years of Whenua Iti has only been possible because communities have continued to invest in their young people,”
“NBS has stood alongside us for more than a decade, and we’re incredibly grateful for that long-term support and shared commitment to local communities.”
“We truly value long-standing community partnerships that believe in what we do. It helps to provide opportunities that young people need at key moments in their development.” – Mark Bruce-Miller, WIO
Outdoor experiential education is about much more than completing an activity. It gives young people the chance to practise teamwork, problem-solving and perseverance, connect with the natural world and experience the confidence that comes from overcoming a challenge.
As Whenua Iti enters its fifth decade, partnerships with organisations such as NBS will continue to help ensure the next generation can access those opportunities too.
Whenua Iti Outdoors would like to thank NBS for their ongoing support. Partnerships like this one are what allow us to keep opening the outdoors up to more young people across Nelson Tasman, for another 40 years and beyond.