Byron Briggs

There were heaps of things I enjoyed about this course. One of the highlights was spending time at the Nelson Fire Station and getting involved in different firefighting drills. I also enjoyed being part of the group. Cooking together, working as a team, and getting to know everyone helped us build strong friendships. One thing that surprised me was how good it was not having our cell phones. Without them, you actually had to talk to people and connect with others, which meant we formed really close friendships.
There were some challenges along the way. Getting used to sleeping in tents on the ground wasn’t easy at first, but it made me appreciate the comforts of home and my own bed a lot more. Being away from school was also a mixed experience. On one hand, it was awesome because it made the term feel like it went by fast, but on the other hand, I missed some learning back at school. Thankfully, I’m in a class that supported me in catching up on work, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take part in this course.
The course has helped me work towards my NCEA Level 2 achievement and has given me so many valuable skills, experiences, and friendships that I’ll take with me into the future. I think practical courses like this are important for students because they offer a different way of learning. It’s a refreshing change from being in a classroom every day and it made going back to school easier and more enjoyable.
The tutors at Whenua Iti Outdoors were incredible. They were knowledgeable, supportive, and always encouraged us to do our best. They challenged us to step outside our comfort zones and gave us opportunities to take on different roles, helping us learn more about ourselves and develop new skills.
Throughout the course, I gained a wide range of practical and technical skills, including search and rescue techniques, basic first aid, outdoor survival skills, effective radio communication, rock climbing, and abseiling. These experiences taught me how to work under pressure, communicate clearly, and contribute as part of a team.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a practical and engaging learning experience, or to students who are interested in the uniformed services. It has honestly been one of the highlights of my year.
Looking ahead, I hope the skills and experiences I’ve gained will help me in my future career. I know I want to do something where I can help people, and I’m interested in joining the Defence Force as a medic, becoming a firefighter, or even working as a chef. This course has given me more confidence in social situations, helped me connect with new people, strengthened my leadership skills, and given me a better understanding of the type of leader I am. It has also improved my communication skills and taught me the importance of working effectively with others. These are skills I know will help me wherever I choose to go in the future.