We were thrilled to host a dynamic group of rangatahi from across Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island) for the inaugural gathering of the Youth Leadership Council (YLC). The YLC is a new initiative designed to ensure youth voices are at the heart of our experiential outdoor education programmes.
The council brings together youth leaders from a diverse range of secondary schools in the region, with the goal of creating a collaborative space where students can contribute directly to shaping programmes that reflect their needs, interests, and aspirations—both now and into the future. This is part of Whenua Iti’s ongoing commitment to co-designing education experiences that are relevant, inclusive, and empowering.
These initial discussions highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for youth voice in education, and council members brought forward insightful perspectives on how Whenua Iti can continue to evolve its programming to better serve young people across Te Tauihu. The first meeting was a milestone moment, marking the beginning of what we hope will be a long-standing forum for youth input and leadership. It was a day filled with connection and inspiration as council members met one another for the first time, participated in a variety of team-building and outdoor activities, and began conversations about the vision and role of the YLC.
“The Youth Leadership Council have been established to help shape the future of youth development programmes at Whenua Iti Outdoors, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of young people are at the center of what we do. Their insights and experiences will be invaluable in guiding our thinking for future programme development and making our programmes even more impactful”. Mark Bruce-Miller, CEO, Whenua Iti Outdoors
The group is buzzing with enthusiasm and energy for what’s to come. Looking ahead, the council plans to meet several times a year, providing ongoing input and helping to guide the future direction of Whenua Iti’s youth-focused initiatives.
We’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the schools who have supported this initiative and encouraged their students to step into leadership roles: Motueka High School, Waimea College, Garin College, Nayland College, Nelson College and Golden Bay High School. Your support is invaluable and we’re excited to see the positive impact this collaboration will have on youth development in our region.
We look forward to seeing how these young leaders will help shape the next chapter of experiential education at Whenua Iti. Ka mau te wehi, rangatahi mā!
“I have always been in admiration of Whenua Iti, this admiration began years ago when participating in various programmes in my school holidays, and it only grew as I entered my teenage years, where I witnessed the positive impact that this incredible organisation has on our community.
– Youth Council Member, 2025
Whenua Iti has personally provided me with amazing opportunities to expand my confidence through the use of the outdoors, more recently also providing me with specific skills in regard to how I lead through their 2024 Inspiring Leaders Camp.
The ability to give back to Whenua Iti Outdoors as a member of their Youth Leadership Council is amazing, Whenua Iti Outdoors has done so much for my own development, along with my wider community.
All members of the Youth Leadership Council have an incredibly staunch desire to provide a refreshing youth voice to the Whenua Iti Organisation, and work in co-ordinated action to do so. All of us are incredibly excited to do so, with all of us being likeminded in our wishes to give back to an organisation that breathes so much life into our community.”
Whenua Iti Outdoors is grateful to the support of Pitt & Moore and Tasman District Council to get behind our Youth Council Members – ngā mihi nui.