Whenua Iti Trust
Whenua Iti Trust Inc. is a charitable trust with a volunteer board who govern the operational arms of the organisation: Whenua Iti Outdoors and ExpedNZ.
Our board members are selected for their commitment to our kaupapa, governance expertise, community knowledge and sector specialisations.
Our Board Members
Pip Lynch, Chair
I've always been attracted to mountains, forests, deserts and other remote places. Being outdoors made sense to me; it allowed me to succeed in physical activities and fit in socially. I realised that other young people felt similarly and that lead to my involvement in outdoor education. I've worked as an outdoor instructor, school teacher (briefly), university lecturer in outdoor and environmental education, researcher of outdoor education, and volunteer member of governance boards within the outdoor education sector. My motivation is always to support opportunities for people to develop their own capacities for travelling through and living in natural areas, and for finding peace, inspiration and satisfaction from engaging with natural areas. When I first visited Whenua Iti in the early 1990s, I was impressed with the opportunities that the centre offered and I am still very impressed. It is a privilege to serve on the Trust Board.
Cheryl Heta, Trustee
The Whenua Iti Challenge Course I completed was one of my life changing moments that I will be forever grateful for. So when asked to be part of the Whenua Iti Board, it was in a sense "Mana" and an opportunity for me to give back to an Organisation that will forever have a special place in my heart. At the time I was a single Mum aged 48 raising two boys and in order to grow gorgeous boys you need to be a good, positive healthy Mum - Whenua Iti helped me do this. On the course we were asked to think about our goals. One was getting a good job and running a marathon in Paris. I did both! I'm now 63yrs old, still healthy active and positive, employed by Rabobank NZ for 14yrs and a big advocate for “kids outdoor adventures".
David Ross, Trustee
My broader career has been focused on the international outdoor clothing and equipment industry, and I have enjoyed building business for well-known brands throughout Europe, NE Asia, North America, Russia and Australasia. Specific experience includes international market development, distribution, marketing, and product management. Over the past decade, I have had Chief Executive and leadership roles in tourism, destination management and conservation sectors, often involving public - private partnerships across environment, climate, infrastructure and finance. With a passion for wild places, I enjoy rock climbing, ski touring, and flying helicopters commercially. I have been fortunate to have climbed with many great people in stunning parts of the world and am proud to be involved with the outstanding team at Whenua Iti Outdoors.
Eli Grace-Webb, Trustee
Raised in the Nelson area, I recall fondly the many adventures I had exploring the nature that abounds us and the confidence it instilled. Passing similar experiences on to my kids these days, makes me realise just how important Whenua Iti Trust is to the rangatahi and community it serves.
Qualified in law, economics and finance, I bring to the Trust my experience of more than 15 years as an economist advising governments, businesses, regulators and other organisations across New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. I am truly privileged to work alongside my fellow trustees, whom are both passionate and wise, as we look to further the vision of the Trust.
Tanya McMurtrie, Trustee
I was born in Motueka, grew up there & have lived my life in this beautiful region I call home. I have always loved the outdoors and have had many amazing experiences both in NZ & overseas running & hiking in some breathtakingly beautiful locations.
I bring a strong commercial and financial perspective to the Board, alongside a deep commitment to community outcomes and long-term sustainability. In my professional role as an Investment Adviser for Craigs Investment Partners, I work with my clients to help them make informed, values-based financial decisions, balancing risk, opportunity, and purpose. This experience supports Whenua Iti Outdoors’ governance through disciplined financial oversight, strategic thinking, and a focus on enduring impact. I have a strong connection to this region, and I have experienced firsthand the role outdoor education plays in building confidence, resilience, and leadership in our Tamariki. I have been a youth mentor for over 16 years & I am motivated & inspired by Whenua Iti Outdoors’ kaupapa of experiential learning and its ability to create meaningful, lasting change beyond the classroom. As a Board member, I am committed to robust governance, ethical decision-making and supporting the organisation’s mission to deliver high-quality, safe, and inclusive programmes that strengthen individuals, whānau and communities across Te Tauihu and the West Coast.
Arthur Graves, Trustee
I was raised in Te Ākau Tai Toka | the Catlins, growing up among sea, rainforest, rivers, and lakes. Those early experiences of place and belonging shaped a lifelong belief in learning beyond the classroom. While my own outdoor pursuits were largely sporting, Outdoor Education has been an important part of my professional journey, and I have seen how experiential, real‑world learning can build confidence, resilience, and new possibilities for rangatahi.
My work in Outdoor Education has ranged from classroom teaching to leading the Outdoor Education New Zealand (ODENZ) network of schools and chairing the post‑Mangatepopo review of the Ministry of Education’s EOTC Guidelines, Bringing the Curriculum Alive. Alongside this, my broader career has focused on secondary and vocational education and system leadership, including executive roles across secondary, vocational and government settings and leading the development of Trades Academies and Vocational Pathways. At the heart of my work is a commitment to rangatahi‑centred opportunity and outcomes, partnership, Te Tiriti‑based practice, and leadership with purpose, informed by experience across education, sport, and community governance. I value the opportunity to serve the kaupapa of Whenua Iti alongside the Trust Board.
Whenua Iti Trust Staff
Alena Visser, Minute Secretary
Social Impact Report
As part of an on-going evaluation process we find ways to measure the impact of Whenua Iti Outdoors. You can read our findings in this report.
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are always open to new ideas as to how use our programmes to support positive change within our community. If you have an idea to run past us, don't hesitate to get in touch!
Want to find out more about a programme or have a question for us? Talk to one of our friendly team - we're happy to help.