Our Team

We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated and fun team working together to make Whenua Iti Outdoors the successful organisation that it is today.

We have a creative, positive and supportive team culture that extends well beyond the office walls, into our programmes, and into our relationships with the wider community that we support.

Leadership Team

Mark Bruce-Miller, General Manager

Ngā mihi nui, ko Mark ahau. In 2013 I took on the role as General Manager of Whenua Iti Outdoors after 13 years teaching and managing tertiary programmes in both Nelson and Wellington. Over the last 9 years I have enjoyed supporting our team to grow and strengthen our connections to youth across our community, our region, wider New Zealand and now around the world under the banner of Experiential Education New Zealand. I am extremely proud of the work we do, the change we are able to inspire and of the fantastic team we work alongside. He aroha whakatō, he aroha ka puta mai - If kindness is sown, then kindness is what you shall receive.

Liana Richards, Education Partnerships Manager

Kia ora. I have had the privilege of working at Whenua Iti Outdoors for the last seven years and have been working in the education sector for over sixteen years. A key focus of the work I have been involved in is creating pathway options for students transitioning from school onto further study or the world of work. Here at Whenua Iti the focus is broader and deeper, using experiential education to create innovative platforms for young people to experience success. I love the work we do here and the very real and positive impact it has on those that take part in our programmes.

Nettie Stow, Partnership and Funding Manager

Tēnā koe, ko Nettie toku ingoa, no Northumberland ahau. I’ve been working at Whenua Iti since 2016 and my highlights are the wonderful people and communities who support, participate in and co-design the programmes we deliver. Each group and individual bring their own unique character and knowledge to add further depth and richness to the Whenua Iti kaupapa and whānau. Ahakoa he iti he pounamu – Whenua Iti is small (with a huge impact!) and to the people who know it, it is very precious.

Ross Morton, Safety & Operations Manager

Kia ora, I have been extremely fortunate to have worked within the field of Outdoor Education since the early 90s and have had the privilege of serving in several senior leadership roles throughout the world. My professional journey brought me to Whenua Iti Outdoors in 2015 where I have been responsible for overseeing programme safety and operations. I have been constantly impressed and inspired by both the professionalism of the Whenua Iti team and the willingness of the students to engage in impactful experiential learning that achieves positive change in individuals and in the communities from which they come. I love my job and the work we do here!

Ruth Buchanan, Office Manager

Kia ora, I started working at WIO in 2016 and have loved every minute of it. I bring 20 years office and administration experience to my role. I really value what WIO stands for and am proud to be a part of the team.

Bree Arnott, Marketing & Communications Manager

Kia ora, ko Bree tōku ingoa. I feel fortunate to be part of the wonderful kaupapa of Whenua Iti Outdoors. The path that led me here detoured through environmental science, accounts management and graphic design, but the thing that grounds me here, like so many of our team, is a firm belief in the transformative power of te taiao. I’ve always loved exploring the outdoors and believe that everyone should have access to the experiential learning we offer. He mahi tahi tātou, mō te ora ō te katoa – let us work together for the wellbeing of everyone.

"Professional beyond the call of duty." Parent

"The tutors are of the highest standard and I know that at any point I could go to them for support or advice."
Past Student

"They focus on much more than the curriculum to include building up of confidence, self-worth etc and this has resulted in a number of students 'turning the corner' in their learning and development"
Student Co-ordinator