Latest News

Outward Bound Anakiwa
Maria Shanks
/ Categories: National, East Coast

Outward Bound Anakiwa

Giving back to our community

In late March 2024, scholarship recipients travelled to the Outward Bound at Anakiwa in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to attend their 8-day course. Together with their watchmates, they built courage and resilience, experienced success as a member of a team, identified their own values, developed an appreciation for the natural environment and experienced being of service.

In attendance were 5 males and 5 females range in age from early 30’s to mid 60’s.  All coming together and bringing different challenges, hurdles and expertise.  At the beginning no-one knew who was attending and they were strangers, only to return back into the region as one unit – whanau!

The word ‘privileged’ came across very strongly from all participants. One mentioning that this opportunity is very rarely handed out to rural families and communities. The dedicated time away, off the farm, was more beneficial than they initially thought it would be. A participant's spouse says that “no time is ever a good time for time off” as a business/landowner, farmer, or employee in a rural industry.

All participants disclosed that the near 40-hour solo bush stay was the most impactful. When items and gear started getting removed from their possession, many were unsure how this would pan out for them. However, they went on to say that the depth of self-reflection was eye opening, with some being able to outline where they saw room for personal development.

Connectedness, feeling of growth as brothers/sisters, and for one the style of learnings linking closely with WW1 regimes were a highlight. This began with meeting and learning of their course participants an hour before their flight to the South Island, their x1 night of accommodation and the ability to share a meal with each other prior to beginning the course. Laughter was also at an all-time high. The variety of participants, from employment to age, was so widespread it gave everyone something other than farming to discuss at times.

Their goals and outcomes were to Discover their Mauri ora - Best Self by developing Connection, Compassion, Responsibility and Resilience, in relation to themselves, other people, values and the natural world.

Their self-reflection, confidence, motivation and awareness superseded their expectation as did their social awareness, communication and appreciation of diversity.  Not to forget their problem solving, goal setting and decision making.  All achieved in a safe and supportive environment.  This was gained from working within Whakawhanaungatanga, adventures and challenge – wero, Kaitiakitanga and active reflection.

All returning to Tairawhiti feeling more motivated, revived, positive and more connected with themselves, to feel powerful to be able to help & support those in and around their community after dealing with such a challenging year from the Cyclone and weather events thereafter.

From this experience one of the recipient Sophie Land, 35-year-old Farmer from Whangara gained so much from her OB Experience she wanted to give back to her local RST and came up with “East Coast Loop” Walk.

On 7th September, they departed from town clock in Gisborne and headed East, each day taking on a new leg on SH35, seeing the beautiful scenery, stopping and talking to people along the way, spreading the word of what RST is about and raising awareness of the Mental/wellbeing in support of farmers and rural communities.

Literally through “blood, sweat and tears” they weathered the cold, rain and heat, taking day by day.  Some days easier than others, some days very challenging both physically and mentally.  One thing that got them through it all was the teamwork, the laughter and the encouragement!  The supporters were amazing, it gave the team more purpose with each toot, cheer & Koha received!

They made their week-long journey on foot in support of RST Tairawhiti. Sophie and the team from Outward Bound and following supporters were met by wild cheers, hugs and tears of joy by a big crowd of family and supporters upon their triumphal return back to the Gisborne town clock, with 475km under their feet.

Previous Article The Big Wet - Dealing with the endless Southland Wet!
Next Article Surfing for Farmers - Take the Beach Back to the Paddock - 2024/2025 Season
Print
824

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Message:
x

More news...

Surfing for Farmers - Take the Beach Back to the Paddock - 2024/2025 Season

Surfing for Farmers - Take the Beach Back to the Paddock - 2024/2025 Season

Rural New Zealanders know how important it is to take a well-earned break from life on the
farm, and Surfing for Farmers is all about building a strong community around that idea. Now in
its eighth season, the program gives farmers a chance to step away from their daily routines and
enjoy some much-needed relaxation.

November 15, 2024 0 Comments
Outward Bound Anakiwa

Outward Bound Anakiwa

November 1, 2024 0 Comments
The Big Wet - Dealing with the endless Southland Wet!

The Big Wet - Dealing with the endless Southland Wet!

October 18, 2024 0 Comments
Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago.

Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay MP, and Rural Communities Minister
October 4, 2024 0 Comments
Banks Increase Funding to Support Farmers in Need

Banks Increase Funding to Support Farmers in Need

Banks are stepping up to fully fund the Farm Business Advice Fund for farmers who are under considerable business pressure, as well as continuing their sponsorship of the National Rural Support Trust.

September 26, 2024 0 Comments
Rural Women's Mental Health Podcast Series with Ag in Conversation

Rural Women's Mental Health Podcast Series with Ag in Conversation

Ag in Conversation are excited to launch a podcast series focused on Rural Women’s Mental Health. 

September 6, 2024 0 Comments
Life After Death – A Brief Look at Estate Administrartion

Life After Death – A Brief Look at Estate Administrartion

We spend our lives growing our wealth and building our “empire”. But what happens to it when we die? We receive phone calls daily asking, “my loved one passed away, now what”.
Drought support increased for North Canterbury Farmers

Drought support increased for North Canterbury Farmers

The government is boosting support for farmers impacted by the ongoing drought in North Canterbury, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced on the 14th August 2024.

Support your new staff to avoid milk contamination - Advice for Farmers from FMG

Support your new staff to avoid milk contamination - Advice for Farmers from FMG

You may have new sharemilkers, contract milker or employees on board following this year’s farm change over day. FMG suggests now’s a good time to go over with them how your milking shed works to avoid...

Rural Support Trust NZ

With thanks to our Principal Sponsors
 
Thanks to our Time Out Tour partners