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Vision | Promotional Video |History | Staff | Board of Trustees |
Where we are

Welcome to TOPEC

Vision

TSB TOPEC is the best regional Outdoor Education Centre in New Zealand. We are innovative, choose our own path and are leaders in Outdoor Education within Taranaki. We ensure that low cost but high quality courses are delivered to Taranaki Schools, offering real adventure and Outdoor Education.

Adventure is an important part of the learning that takes place at TSB TOPEC and challenge through risk is encouraged. Learning is always student focused to ensure that individual needs are met and our course structures reflect this. We offer a broad range of activities that ensure that we have the flexibility to meet student needs.

Our core focus is in Education with the ability to cover a diverse range of experiences and client groups. We aim to promote learners as lifelong learners in the Outdoors.

TSB TOPEC provides a career pathway for students and is a provider for training in the Outdoor Education sector. We provide training in the Outdoors for students, teachers and the community.

At TSB TOPEC environmental awareness is encouraged and staff actively promotes the respect and conservation of our natural resources. We have a clear and structured Professional Development system that ensures that our staff are well qualified, current and experienced. We have established links with other Outdoor Education providers within the region, nationally and internationally to share good practice, knowledge and skills.

Our systems for the administration of the Centre are clear, robust and effective. TSB TOPEC functions efficiently and is financially sound.  TSB TOPEC focuses on building strong community relationships and communicates effectively to ensure this.

We believe that through Outdoor Education students broaden their life skills and develop aspects of Hauora and Well being. Students leave us knowing more about themselves and others. Students are given the opportunity to set goals and are encouraged to strive for success in all activities. We encourage students to accept responsibility for themselves and others. Through personal challenge TSB TOPEC students will grow as individuals though their experiences.

Whaia e koe ki te iti kahurangi; ki te tuohu koe, me maunga teitei
Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain

TSB Promotional Video

History

TSB TOPEC is situated on the banks of the Waiwhakaiho River, in bush reserve, some 10 kilometres from New Plymouth. TSB TOPEC was formed in 1986 by a Charitable Trust of interested parties to provide Outdoor education to Taranaki school students.

TSB TOPEC is closely linked with Taranaki Secondary School who form the main user group of the organisation. Throughout the school year, school groups of 30 students ( generally at year 10 level ) attend TSB TOPEC for a week long, residential course in adventurous activities.

Activities include Rafting, Climbing, Tramping, Bush trips, Caving, Kayaking, Ropes course, Bridge Swing, Adventure Based Learning, Mountaineering and Overnight camps.

Courses are subsidised by grants from various organisations including the main sponsor – The  TSB Community Trust. The Lions Clubs of Taranaki maintain accommodation huts on a voluntary basis and are a valuable contributor to the continued success of TSB TOPEC.

TSB TOPEC has accommodation for 80 students with separate staff quarters. Students cook, clean and look after the camp under school staff supervision throughout the week course.

Facilities and accommodation are available for private hire at weekends and holiday periods.

TOPEC Staff

	Kerry Warner Office Administrator Kerry has been with TSB TOPEC since June 2005. She is the person you are most likely to talk to if you phone the centre. Kerry is responsible for much of the day to day duties around the campus whilst the instructors are out and about. All accommodation bookings for weekend and holiday periods are made through Kerry. She is a key person within the TSB TOPEC structure and ensures the bills are paid on time.
	Nick Brown Senior Instructor Nick Brown has been guiding and instructing in the outdoors since 1993. Nick has based his career mainly around rafting and safety kayaking, having also guided in Japan for 3 years. Nick enjoys creek boating, surfing, travelling ligtht in the mountains and campfires with his family. Non outdoor interests include woodworking and tribal drumming. Nick is a NZRA Senior Raft Guide and holds NZOIA awards; Kayak 1 and Alpine 1.
	Bryce Jourdain Bryce joined TSB TOPEC from NorthTech in Whangerei where he was a tutor in Outdoor Education. Bryce is determined to become Taranaki Hardcore but he has a way to go yet. Bryce is always heading out and about discovering new and amazing places. He is holds NZOIA rock 1, first aid, Certificate in Adult Tertiary Teaching qualification has extensive Bush and sea kayaking experience. At present he is working towards his raft guide and kayaking qualifications. Bryce is also experienced in caving, hunting and surf and has a strong understanding of Tikanga Maori and Te Reo. Bryce has been a great addition to the team and he has slotted right in – one of his best kept secrets that few people know that he is past finalist of Survivor Brazil.
	Alan Sarten Alan is old School TOPEC and he has been part of the operation for a long time. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in and around Taranaki. He has recently returned from his South Island OE where he showed his mettle in the cold South Island rivers and mountains. He is a Taranaki Dairy Farmer and shows this in his instructional style – a down to earth approach. Alan is famous for his cheesy jokes which always makes a group groan. He is Grade 3 raft guide, Bush 1 and has years of rock, and caving experience.
	Mark Dickie Instructor Mark is a fully registered Teacher of Physical Education, holds a Bachelor of Teaching and Sport and Leisure. He joined TOPEC following a successful time at Coastal Taranaki Area School. Mark has experience in a wide range of Outdoor Activities, specialising in Kayaking. Mark is a qualified raft Guide, having earned his stripes on the cold South Island rivers. Previously Mark worked as an instructor in the Blue Mountains, Australia and worked with Youth at Risk groups. Recently Mark has got into caving and is enjoying the new challenges that this brings. He is a great net worker and loves to experience new and exciting pursuits. He is working hard at kite surfing having seen it on U Tube. A qualified first aider and philanthropist.
	Steve Ralph Director B.Ed (Hons) Steve Ralph took over as the Director of TSB TOPEC in 2007 having previously been a HOD Physical Education and more recently Deputy Principal at a local Area school. His role within TSB TOPEC is to manage the running of all aspects of the Centre and ensure that Strategic Planning is in place to ensure future development. Steve holds the following qualifications: National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation, Avalanche 1, NZOIA rock 1, Grade 3 Raft guide, First aid and Level 5 unit standards ( NZOIA level 1 equivalent ) in Bush, Risk Management and river crossing. Having moved to NZ from the UK in 1997 he has continued to teach and instruct in the Outdoors and discover the kiwi way of life. Steve has travelled throughout the world seeking adventure in countries such as France, Spain, Canada and Nepal. He has an in depth knowledge of the Education system and NZQA and oversees the management of Unit standard courses.

 

 

Board of Trustees

BOT members – David Grigg ( chairman )
Steve Ralph( treasurer / secretary )
Mark Dickie (Staff Representative)
Matt Lash – HOD PE Opunake High School
Matt Cleaver ( PPTA rep ) – Hawera High School
Graham Goodman ( deputy Chairman ) – Westown Scouts
Lynley Rawston ( Principal Rep ) – St Marys , Stratford
Daniel Woodd, Stratford High School

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