Kiekie Marshall

I’ve always enjoyed woodwork, so I took Joinery to explore it as a possible career path. My other big passion is the outdoors. I love tramping in my spare time, and I wanted to do the Outdoor Emergency Response course to feel more confident going on solo trips. I also wanted to learn skills that would help me look after myself and support others I might come across while out in the bush.
Being away on block courses is such a great way to learn. You’re fully immersed in hands-on scenarios where you get to problem-solve real-life situations the tutors set up. I found the First Aid part a bit challenging at first since I hadn’t done the earlier First Aid training. But working alongside others in the group who had more experience really helped me build confidence and figure out what to do in the scenarios.
The tutors at Whenua Iti are awesome. They’re really supportive and work alongside you but also give you space to figure things out on your own. Their knowledge of outdoor response was impressive, and they gave us a great insight into how LandSAR operates and what to do when handing over a situation to them.
This course is perfect for anyone keen to learn practical life skills or who loves the outdoors. I feel way more confident now that I could help in an emergency if I ever came across one. Going away for a block course is also a great way to meet new people, you’re living together, and the tutors are great at helping everyone connect through icebreakers and group activities.
Next year, I’ll be finishing Year 13 at Mount Aspiring College, and I’m looking forward to building on the outdoor skills I’ve already gained.