Whenua Iti Outdoors (WIO) was honoured to receive the Community Impact Award at the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards at a glittering event on Friday night attended by over 300 people from the region’s top businesses. This award is a testament to the transformative impact of experiential outdoor education and leadership development that helps to build strong communities. It also celebrates the vision of our founder, Hazel Nash, whose dedication to outdoor education has helped Whenua Iti Outdoors inspire and empower over 50,000 participants across the Nelson Tasman.
We were honoured to be included amongst such a strong group of finalists in this hotly contested category. We would like to acknowledge Nelson Bays Community Law as well as the five other finalists who are similarly dedicated to uplifting our community. The work you do is vital in connecting people of need to services and opportunities that would otherwise exist.
Thank you to the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and to our incredible business community for your ongoing support. We would particularly like to thank NBS, Pitt & Moore and Bowater Motor Group who have individually provided support for critical functions of our charitable trust’s operation. Acknowledgement also to our judge Johnny Hendriksen. Thank you for taking the time to understand our business and visit our site in Lower Moutere; we enjoyed showing you behind the scenes of what makes Whenua Iti tick.
Community Impact Award submission
“We know that with over 50,000 people who have gone through one of these programmes, that thousands of those young people will be operating and contributing to the Nelson Tasman Region and making this place better for all of us” Rachel Boyack, MP for Nelson.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
The kaupapa of Whenua Iti is inextricably linked to the wider business community. By investing in personal development through experiential outdoor education, we are investing in the future of Nelson Tasman’s future workforce, economy and social fabric. The ability to navigate challenge, lead with empathy, and think critically are skills that are not only essential in the business world but also in building strong, connected communities.
“At Whenua Iti Outdoors, we believe that resilient communities start with resilient individuals. Through our outdoors experiential education programmes, we empower young people with the confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in all aspects of life.
Many of the youth that participate in our programmes go on to become part of our regional economy as business leaders, innovators, and community changemakers, carrying with them the values of teamwork, environmental stewardship, and personal integrity that are deeply embedded in our programmes,” Mark Bruce-Miller, CEO Whenua Iti Outdoors
Whenua Iti Outdoors is proud to serve the Nelson Tasman region, as well as youth on the West Coast and in Marlborough with innovative experiential outdoor education programmes that inspire personal growth, leadership, and resilience.
The Power of Outdoor Education
Outdoor education has long been recognised as a powerful tool for personal growth and resilience. By stepping outside of comfort zones, individuals develop self-reliance, perseverance, and leadership abilities. These are not just life skills—they are the foundation for strong teams, innovative workplaces, and thriving communities.
For over 35 years, Whenua Iti Outdoors has delivered locally based, high-quality outdoor education experiences that make a lasting difference. As a non-profit organisation, our success depends on the support of investors, businesses, and community partners who recognise the value of experiential learning and its role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Read more from our CEO Mark about why resilience and interpersonal skills are as important now as they have ever been.
Strengthening Communities Through Partnership
Winning the Community Impact Award highlights for us the importance of collaboration between education providers, businesses, and community organisations. We extend our gratitude to all those who have supported us—your commitment enables us to continue delivering programmes that create meaningful change.
As we look to the future we invite the business community to explore ways to support proven, locally delivered programmes that nurture resilient, capable individuals—the very people who will drive our region’s success in years to come. Whether through partnerships, sponsorships, or advocacy, your involvement helps to ensure that outdoor education remains accessible to those who need it most. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community.
For more information on how to support Whenua Iti Outdoors, visit our website or get in touch with our team.
Community impact begins with providing accessible programmes. The Amputee Society camp is an example of how Whenua Iti partners with other organisations to provide vital experiential learning opportunities for communities in need.