Whenua Iti Outdoors

17/06/2026

Now's the time to think about a Trades Academy course for 2027. They are an amazing way to set you up with the skills and confidence you'll need for an exciting and rewarding career. If you're keen to learn more flick us a message or head to our website for more information.

In conjunction with Top of the South (TOTSTA) and West Coast (WCTA) Trades Academies we deliver a range of programmes for Year 11 - 13 students. Programmes are fully funded by the Ministry of Education at zero cost to students from TOTSTA and WCTA partner schools. Each course includes assessments that contribute to students' NCEA. These courses offer much more than academic credit, they are packed with experiential learning opportunities to build confidence, leadership & essential employability skills. Our Trades Academy programmes help set students up on a positive pathway to future employment or further study.

Top of the South Trades Academy | West Coast Trades Academy

15/06/2026

This is a great example of community spirit in action. We're pleased that our group was able to make such a positive impact.

11/06/2026

We're so lucky to have Penny as a long-standing supporter of Whenua Iti. Awesome to see her being officially recognised for the incredible community work she's done over the years.

What an absolute privilege today for Deputy Mayor Pete Rainey and I to present Penny Molnar with a Nelsonian Civic Award in acknowledgement of her extraordinary contribution to our community.

Council established these awards to honour people who have selflessly contributed to the city to advance community welling, culture, heritage, sport, education, environment, the arts, industry or commerce.

Penny exemplifies community service. She was a founding member of the Nelson Women’s Centre and the Nelson Multicultural Council as well as helping to establish the Victory Community Centre and was the centre’s first Be Well Community Nurse, spending a decade using her nursing expertise to hundreds of families. Penny has contributed to many other community organisations including Nelson Tasman Housing Trust, the Whenua Iti Outdoors Trust and the Nelson Tasman Pasifika Trust, the Community Workers Training and Support Trust, Nelson Community and Whanau Network, House 44 drop-in centre, and R**e Crisis.

Her extraordinary service was recognised in 2018 with a Queen’s Service Medal, and we’re delighted she now has a Nelsonian Civic Award to sit alongside her Royal Honour.

Council will be presenting a total of 13 Nelsonian Civic Awards during this three-year term, with each councillor having a turn at nominating a recipient. Members of the public can also make suggestions of people they consider deserving of an award on via Council’s website (https://shorturl.at/pv2Q5).

Congratulations to Penny and to Deputy Mayor Pete for nominating such a worthy recipient.

04/06/2026

Hard to beat a sunny day sea kayaking! The Level 2 crew from the Adventure Tourism Leadership Trades Academy programme had a blast out on the crystal clear water recently.

If you're considering a Trades Academy programme for 2027 get in touch with your trades coordinator at school or give us a bell. We'd love to help you achieve your goals and get you on a pathway to employment beyond school. Places fill up quickly so don't wait.

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Top of the South Trades Academy
West Coast Trades Academy

03/06/2026

Trades Academy programmes create a fantastic pathway for people who are interested in learning about practical skills within various industries. Hear from participants about what they thought about their experience.

27/05/2026

We hosted a really fun group from The University of Richmond, Virginia, USA through ExpedNZ last week who had some of the clearest weather of the last couple of months. Their programme with us was designed to explore the unique wilderness environments of Te Waipounamu, the South Island and to broaden perspectives and understanding of approaches to te taiao from both a Western and indigenous lens. Our wonderful tutors strengthen the connection between students and the environment, and with each another, through a series of shared adventurous and environmental learning experiences in the outdoors. Students took part in authentic experiences that will create a platform for transformational learning that can be translated back to their home context, inspiring both action and care for the environment.

Along the way they visited a number of important sites like Riuwaka, Kaiteretere Beach, Brook Waimarama Sanctuary and Punakaiki Rocks. And, because it was a road trip of sorts, they even managed to stop into one of our famous bakeries for a pie!

27/05/2026

A big ngā mihi Manaaki Tāpoi styles to Toby from Moana SUP & Surf for helping us out to ensure we weren't navigating the moana without a paddle(board).
In the rush to get out on such an epic day ☀️🌊someone miscounted and we were short a board - Tobs to the rescue!
If spending a day on the ocean, connecting to kaupapa that speaks to your heart while still attending school and earning NCEA credits sounds like music to your ears then check out our Manaaki Tāpoi programmes - https://www.whenuaiti.org.nz/trades-academy/

25/05/2026

UPDATE: Extra screening - Youth Outdoor Film Competition

Due to high demand we've arranged a second screening of the film this Thursday, 6pm at State Cinema Motueka. Make sure you get your tickets ASAP via the link below.

https://www.statecinemamotueka.co.nz/movie/whenua-iti-youth-outdoor-film-festival-screening-j

21/05/2026

Winners are grinners! Congratulations to the winners announced tonight at State Cinemas, Motueka, especially Zoe for taking home the grand prize this year for Filmmaker of the Year sponsored by Cactus Outdoor. Her film captured an amazing journey the length of the South Island by bike with her friend over the summer.

We will contact the winners who couldn’t make this screening in the next few days.

Thank you to our incredibly generous prize sponsors:
Pitt&Moore
Earth Sea Sky
Real Meals
Yum
Gearshop - Quality Outdoor Equipment
Abel Tasman AquaTaxi
Abel Tasman Kayaks
Bethany Park
Photogear
Southern Approach
MD Outdoors