About

STW Vision, Mission & Values

Whakatauaki (Maori Proverb): “Ko te kai rapu, ko ia te kite” (He who seeks finds)

Vision

Matakite

 “That every person has opportunities to show (through experiences), know (through reflection) and grow (through integration and continuation) their true potential in life.”

Mission

Aronga

 “To provide quality learning opportunities and positive interactions with the outdoor environment that will inspire and empower others to reach their full potential in life”.

Values

Tikanga

The following Organisational Values “S.T.E.E.R.S.” (i.e. directs and guides) all STW decisions and tells others how STW will interact with those they serve: Safety, Teamwork, Encouragement, Enthusiasm, Respect, Service

"I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it." Sir Edmund Hillary

STW Team

Our team's aim in life is to help people of any age to take steps to perceive and achieve their true potential.  We love people and enjoy the great outdoors, so getting the opportunity to walk alongside others and encourage them in their own journey is what we want our life to be all about.

Justin Blacklock

Director

Justin has been actively involved in designing, managing and running programmes that enhance people’s personal and social development for the best part of two decades now and holds several tertiary qualifications in outdoor instruction, outdoor first aid, pre-hospitable emergency care, outdoor safety, adventure based learning and in the education and training fields. He is a Bush 1 Instructor with NZOIA and enjoys his role at STW as a Skills Active Assessor for Tramping Qualifications.  He loves administering and delivering Personal Development Programmes such as The William Pike Challenge Award and the On Track Programme and enjoys his role as an Award Leader for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for STW participants based in the West Coast and Top of the South Island regions.  When not at work he enjoys spending time with his wife Silvia, especially playing music, and getting out for the odd hunting or fishing trip.

Silvia Blacklock Castillo Pinto

Coordinator

Silvia has been working with children for over thirteen years now both in her home country Chile and here in New Zealand.  She loves interacting with people of all ages and cultures, encouraging them, learning from them and to help foster others in their own strengths and abilities.  She holds tertiary qualifications in Children Education, Learning and Development.  She enjoys teaching and helping others and working with groups.  She also holds qualifications in Workplace and Outdoor First Aid and is currently completing her Outdoor Leader Qualification.  Her other interests in life include listening and playing music (especially guitar), cooking (which her husband Justin enjoys very much), walking and handcrafts.

Instructors / Volunteers

 Lead & Assistant Instructors / Section Assessors 

STW programmes have been privileged to have the assistance of many top quality leaders and section assessors. Where-ever possible, assistance is sought from key personnel from local  organisations, whanau, schools, youth and outdoor agencies and the community at large to provide a support network for each participant.  Each one contributes greatly by bringing their own set of skills, passions and desire to help others.  All our support staff have experience and qualifications to suit their role in the organisation.  All Instructors are Police vetted and have proven experience in the field. We are grateful to our partner organisations and look forward to working alongside other leaders and assessors into the future, to enhance programme effectiveness and help inspire others along their journey.

Ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children, including prevention of child abuse or maltreatment, is a paramount goal of this organisation.

STW Child Protection Policy