MORE ABOUT US
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
Organisational Values: Safety, Teamwork, Encouragement, Enthusiasm, Respect, Service “S.T.E.E.R.S,”directs & guides all STW decisions & tells others how STW will interact with those they serve.
STW PURPOSE
Search The Way has been set up as a ministry of encouragement to help others discover more about who they are and what their purpose in life is. We haven't met anyone yet who isn't great at something! We want people to be inspired to start seeking far horizons and support them to step out and achieve set goals.
OUR TEAM
STW is an organisation that seeks to establish whanaungatanga - a deep sense of family connection. This means that we treat all people involved with our programmes, whether participants, supporters or staff, as if they were part of our own extended family.
JUSTIN BLACKLOCK
Director
Justin has been actively involved in designing, managing and running programmes that enhance people’s personal and social development for three decades now and holds several tertiary qualifications in outdoor instruction, outdoor first aid, and in the education and training fields. He is a Bush 1 Instructor with NZOIA and has experience as a Skills Active Assessor for Tramping Qualifications. He loves administering and delivering Personal Development Programmes for STW participants and any opportunity to get out in the hills tramping, hunting or fishing.
STW CODES OF PRACTICE
Search The Way after a process of consultation with its stakeholders, has adopted the following Codes of agreed principles.
Management, staff, volunteers and contractors at Search The Way are required to abide by this Code.
Search The Way’s Client Service Charter provides an outline of the level of service individuals can expect when accessing Search The Way’s services.
All STW Outdoor Activities follow the Outdoor Safety Code.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
ACTIVITY MINIMUM IMPACT CODES
STW as an organisation is committed to following at all times the following DOC Activity Minimum Impact Codes: Leave No Trace, Camping Care - Activity Minimal Impact Code, Disposal of Human Waste where no toilets provided - Activity Minimum Impact Code, Feminine Hygiene in the backcountry - Activity Minimum Impact Code, Photography Care Code - Activity Minimum Impact Code
STW as an organisation is committed to following the guidelines outlined in the Outdoor Access Code
When STW activities are near bodies of water it abides by the NZ Water Care and Safety Codes.
STW is committed to following the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) protocols for preventing the spread of freshwater pests.
STW Lead Instructor Justin Blacklock is an NZOIA Qualified Instructor and abides at all times by the NZOIA Code of Ethical Practice for Outdoor Professionals.
NZ REGISTER OF RECREATIONAL PROFESSIONALS
(NZRRP) CODE OF ETHICAL PRACTICE FOR
RECREATIONAL PROFESSIONALS
STW Lead Instructor Justin Blacklock is listed on the NZ Register of Recreational Professionals and abides at all times by the NZRRP Code of Ethical Practice for Recreational Professionals.
Search The Way Ltd is a member organisation of Ara Taiohi and adheres to the Code of Ethics for Youth Work in Aotearoa NZ.
STW HAZARD &
RISK MANAGEMENT
STW Good Practice:
Pre-trip planning, site, river and terrain assessment, thorough profiling of the clients, clearly disclosing risks to the clients, being adequately equipped for foreseeable emergencies, staff competence, emergency preparedness, dynamic risk management and situational awareness are the critical components of STWs good practice.
Risks:
Are dependent on the weather conditions, client profiles, ratios, staff competency, river conditions, terrain and remoteness of the trip.
The most likely causes of harm from STW activities would be drowning, death or impact injuries from falling, sliding or slipping, allergic reactions, burns, hypothermia or hyperthermia. There are also the risks of getting lost or separated. Workers or participants could suffer a medical occurrence.
Situational Awareness:
Guides/Instructors:
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are required to continuously monitor and assess their clients and conduct dynamic hazard identification and risk management throughout the trip.
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halt or modify an activity if a risk/hazard threatens the safety of any person.
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must have effective communication.
All Equipment:
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is to be operated according to the HSMP and will be checked, maintained after being used.
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damaged, unsafe equipment has to be taken out of circulation and reported immediately and be replaced.
All Participants:
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must sign a risk disclosure
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must be briefed on how to access support if something happens to their guide/instructor
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must have all their personal gear checked as being fit for purpose
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must bring their personal medication
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must know that access to emergency services can take time in the areas STW operates.
AdventureMark White Certified:
Search The Way conforms to the relevant requirements of the Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities 2017 and is certified to conduct the following activities:
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Youth Awards
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Tramping
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Day Walking
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Camping
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Bush Survival Skills
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Adventure-based learning
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Orienteering
in the Upper South and West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand.
This certification demonstrates that operators providing activities on Department of Conservation land have had their safety management plan independently audited in order to meet the requirements of the Department of Conservation Concession Process. This is a document review process. For more information on AdventureMark White Certification please click the link below.