Grant Faber
This reporting year then became one of two very different parts. The seven months up to February saw us gathering momentum as our strategic vision to expand the Outward Bound experience outside of Anakiwa took form. With two pilots kicking off in March 2020, the arrival of COVID-19 forced the closure of both the Anakiwa school and suspension of the pilot courses.
As I write this report, we await the reopening of Anakiwa for August courses after a four-month closure, and the 'Kora Programme’ pilot will recommence in term 3.
As for many organisations, families and individuals, the challenges experienced since March, has brought a refocus on what is important, and a reassessment of how we live and operate. It has reinforced the fundamental need in our community, and in our young New Zealanders in particular, for the essential life skills that the Outward Bound experience delivers. It has also emphasised the importance of our More New Zealanders initiative to bring our courses within the reach of more people in our community. Essential to this will be opening up course delivery options closer to our main population centre in the upper North Island.
The awareness of the value of an Outward Bound course when looking for work in a tightening employment market is growing. With borders closed, so too is the desire to get out and take on a truly iconic New Zealand experience.
Our assessment at this time is that the demand to attend Outward Bound will be stronger than ever but that affordability will be a challenge for families. This will put even greater emphasis on supporting young people to attend OB via our OB Foundation scholarships and support from funding partners.
As we progress on our journey with COVID-19 we know there are still many unknowns and we will face more challenges. One thing that is high in our consciousness is our gratitude to the wise minds that set up the Outward Bound Foundation eighteen years ago. The financial support of the Foundation, the government employer subsidy, and the generosity of our supporter network enabled us to survive the school closure and retain our team of dedicated staff.
Of course, the stewardship of the Foundation is of critical importance as the support given today depletes our future resources and constrains our future opportunities. We extend our thanks to the Foundation's Trustees in this regard. The Foundation and our cherished supporter network are critical to our future success. The need to grow both of these is more important than ever if we are to deliver on our core vision - Better People, Better Communities, Better World.
Our CEO Victor Klap announced his intention to retire from OBNZ and stepped down at the close of the financial year. Over the past five years, Victor successfully led a strengthening of the Outward Bound staff team and enabled increased effectiveness of the operation. He also optimised course delivery and set the organisation up well for the strategic initiatives we are now commencing. We take this opportunity to thank him for his commitment and contribution, and to acknowledge his achievements over his time with us. We wish Victor well, now and in the future.
In a challenging year, we have many things to be thankful for. I would like to acknowledge our wonderful OB staff in Anakiwa and Wellington. They continue to move the organisation forward with passion and professionalism despite the difficulties in front of them. Our Board of voluntary directors, who have risen to the needs of the organisation and devoted many hours of wise support and governance. And, most of all, to the Outward Bound network, our family of supporters, alumni and donors, who understand the importance of what we do, and what we need to do – your support is the essential power that drives us forward.
Grant Faber Board Chair
