At Whenua Iti Outdoors, we believe in the power of experiential learning to not only create memorable experiences but also to build essential life and work skills. We recognise the importance of giving rangatahi opportunities to grow in environments that build resilience, self-awareness, and key life skills. Linked to the Ministry of Education’s Employability Skills Framework, our programmes nurture the capabilities that matter most to future employers: communication, teamwork, self-management, thinking skills, resilience, willingness to learn, and a positive attitude.
As highlighted in a report by Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, Auckland University “Adolescence is a natural period of shift during which young people have new experiences, develop their identities, go through changes in their relationships with peers, family, communities and authority figures and attempt to find themselves in complex social worlds… Today’s young are having to confront the difficulties of living in an increasingly demanding and changing social context for which they are rarely adequately prepared or supported.” (Koi Tū Report, 2021).
In 2024, more than 4,200 participants took part in our programmes. The post-course survey results from over 650 secondary school aged rangatahi speak to the transformative impact of outdoor learning on employability and mental health.
Post-course survey results
Whenua Iti programmes deliver measurable improvements in all seven of the Government’s Employability Skills categories. A staggering 93% of students reported an improvement in teamwork skills which are arguably one of the most sought-after qualities in any workplace. Whether navigating a high ropes course or collaborating on a bush survival task, teamwork is embedded in everything we do.
Communication also saw significant gains, with 89% of students noting improvements. Our approach encourages clear, respectful dialogue and reflection, whether that’s during group debriefs or when problem-solving under pressure.
Equally encouraging is the finding that 91% of students experienced a positive shift in their attitude. A can-do mindset, optimism, and self-belief are invaluable attributes for future employment and also for navigating life’s many challenges.Other key outcomes included an 84% improvement in decision-making skills and an 83% boost in students’ ability to be organised and prepared. These are foundational elements of self-management and independent learning, helping students transition more confidently into work or further education.
Resilience is another critical skill, especially in today’s digital-centric world. It’s heartening that 85% of students felt more able to cope with new situations after completing their Whenua Iti experience. OECD data shows that screen time for youth in Aotearoa jumped from 22 hours per week to 42 hours per week between 2012 – 2018: NZ Medical Journal – Impacts of digital technologies on child and adolescent health, July 2024.
Perhaps one of the most important indicators of success is that 82% of students felt more motivated to learn. Inspiring a desire for lifelong learning is at the heart of everything we do and is linked to a sense of optimism and the ability to self-determine one’s future and will have immediate benefits when they return to the classroom environment.
“These so-called ‘soft skills’ are actually power skills and are essential to any successful career path. By using the outdoors as a classroom, our programmes create real-world learning environments where rangatahi can practice and strengthen these skills through challenge, connection, teamwork and personal growth,” – Mark Bruce-Miller, CEO of Whenua Iti Outdoors.
The 2024 survey results reaffirm what we see every day in the field. Outdoor learning is not just about adventure; it’s about building real futures which starts with a firm grounding in self-confidence and overall mental health.
At Whenua Iti Outdoors, we’re proud to be helping young people gain the skills they need to thrive in life and work.
Find out how more about upcoming programmes.
Read: Whenua Iti Outdoors wins Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce award for Community Impact, 2025
Participants enjoying ABL games at Kaiteretere during the ‘Stump Club Camp’ in partnership with the Amputee Society TOS