Future Leader Profiles | Kaiarataki Wāheke

Kupe 701 on course.

Student profile: Josh Hansen

Josh pictured third from the right.

We’re dedicated to cultivating strong leaders through immersive and challenging outdoor experiences. The journey of Josh Hansen, a member of Kupe 701, illustrates the profound impact of our courses on tomorrow’s leaders. Thanks to the generous support of the Acorn Foundation, Josh was able to participate in a three-week course, where he not only learned teamwork and resilience but also discovered his leadership potential.

During his time at Outward Bound, Josh was challenged in many ways, from rowing on a cutter and tramping through the bush to running a half marathon. These experiences taught him valuable skills and helped him identify his core values. It was the leadership lessons, however, that left the most lasting impression. "In a team, everyone plays a part," Josh reflects, highlighting the importance of collective effort and mutual support in achieving a shared goal.

One significant outcome of Josh’s experience was the development of his leadership style. Through practical exercises and team challenges, he learned how to lead effectively, make decisions under pressure, and inspire his peers. These skills have been instrumental in his life post-course, allowing him to step confidently into leadership roles in his community.

After completing his course, Josh continued to apply these lessons to several leadership positions. As a Course Warrant Officer for the New Zealand Cadet Forces, he was responsible for leading a team of cadets, ensuring their welfare, and maintaining high morale. The daily check-ins and structured reflections practised at Outward Bound became integral tools in his leadership approach, enabling him to manage his team effectively and monitor group morale.

He was also selected as Head Boy at his school, where he leads a team of prefects, organises school events, and represents the student body. The confidence gained from Outward Bound was crucial during his interviews and continues to support him in his daily responsibilities.

As Josh embarks on his next chapter, he carries with him the whakataukī:

“Ka whati te tai, ka pao te tōrea - when the tide recedes, the oystercatcher strikes.”

Help create the next generation of leaders like Josh. Donate today.

Partners: shaping our
future leaders

Jacques Glover, Pinnacle Programme graduate.

For over a decade, we’ve proudly partnered with Hyundai's Pinnacle Programme, a visionary initiative nurturing Aotearoa's future leaders.

The Pinnacle Programme offers young people the chance to grow in various fields, including art, science, business, sport, music, film, performing arts, the environment, and politics. With three stages of self-discovery, personal development, and mentoring, the programme cultivates leadership qualities in each participant.

A key component is our transformative 21-day Outward Bound course. Here, students face mental and physical challenges, learning resilience, teamwork, and the value of stepping outside their comfort zones. This experience is crucial in shaping them into well-rounded leaders, ready to navigate complex situations with confidence and integrity.

Jacques Glover, a 2019 Pinnacle Programme Graduate, is now an Oral and Maxillofacial Registrar at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton. He spoke of Outward Bound being a highlight of the programme where he learned the importance of working as a team.

Our partnership’s impact is evident. Pinnacle Programme alumni emerge with enhanced skills and become part of a strong network dedicated to mentorship and leadership. This community supports new students and perpetuates the values instilled by the programme. The connection between Outward Bound and these alumni highlights our shared commitment to creating lasting, positive change.

“You realise you’re doing it all as a group and people are operating at different speeds or levels of experience, so it was often about adapting your approach to get over the finish line.”

Through this partnership, we remain dedicated to empowering young people to lead with courage, vision, and responsibility, ensuring a brighter future for Aotearoa.