Meet our Tertiary Team members
As the saying goes, you’re only as good as your team, and we are lucky to have some of the most highly skilled and experienced Tertiary instructors in New Zealand on our team at Hillary Outdoors.
With over a collective century of experience between them, our instructors bring an unparalleled level of expertise to every outdoor education programme they lead.
Sash Nukada
TERTIARY PROGRAMME MANAGER
Role: Tertiary Programme Manager, Tutor for DOAE L5 and COAE L4
Experience: Over 30 years in outdoor education, with roles at Outward Bound, Otago University, and Aoraki/Ara Polytech.
Qualifications: NZOIA Rock 2, Alpine 2, Bush 2; NZOIA Assessor Rock 2, Bush 2; Avalanche Stage 1; NZSIA Ski Stage 1; BPhEd (Hons), BA (Economics).
Passion: Believes outdoor education is crucial for addressing societal issues like climate change and mental wellbeing.
Heroes: Sir Ed Hillary, Dalai Lama, Gaike Knottenbelt.
Favourites: Stewart Island tramps, Darrans and Arapiles crags, Kali Gandaki river, Tutoko mountain.
Prajot Sabnis
DIPLOMA COORDINATOR
Role: Diploma Co-ord, Tutor for DOAE L5 + COAE L4
Experience: 14 years in the outdoor industry, with over a decade at Hillary Outdoors. Previously worked as a contractor for Aoraki and Otago Polytechs.
Qualifications: NZOIA Rock 2, Alpine 1, Bush 1; NZOIA Assessor for Rock 1, Rock, Abseil, and Bush Leader; Avalanche Stage 1; Cert in Adult Learning and Teaching; BSc (Psychology).
Passion: Teaching outdoor education to foster personal growth and environmental awareness through meaningful experiences in nature.
Heroes: Dave Macleod, Sash Nukada, and Gregg Biesly as mentors.
Favourites: Three Passes tramp, Paines Ford crag, O’Sullies river, Dilemma and Unicorn mountains.
Mel Harris
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Role: Operations Manager, Tutor for DOAE L5 and COAE L4
Experience: 11 years in the outdoor industry, with experience in Australia, Hong Kong, and various companies in Canterbury.
Qualifications: NZOIA Bush 2, Rock 1 (sport endorsement), Alpine 1, Kayak Leader; NZOIA Assessor for Rock, Bush, and Abseil Leaders; Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education.
Passion: Teaching in the outdoors to help people connect with themselves and others, inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Heroes: Inspired by close family, like an uncle who encouraged outdoor adventure, and historical explorers and pioneers.
Favourites: Nelson Lakes Travers-Sabine Circuit tramp, climbing anywhere, Murchison rivers, and the beauty of mountains in both summer and winter.
Rich Purvis
CERTIFICATE COORDINATOR
Role: Certificate Co-ordinator, Tutor for DOAE L5 and COAE L4
Experience: 12 years as an instructor, with experience in the UK, Middle East, and almost 5 years in NZ.
Qualifications: UK-based qualifications in Alpine, Rock, Sea Kayak, and Canoe.
Passion: Teaching to inspire new instructors and give back to the industry, believing in the power of the outdoors to foster personal growth and environmental awareness.
Heroes: Former UK employers, noted for their kindness, communication, and leadership; inspired by the talented team at Hillary Outdoors.
Favourites: Taranaki 5 peaks tramp, Reiff sea cliff crag in Scotland, D’Urville Island sea kayak trip, Findhorn river in Scotland, and Foinaven peak in the Scottish Highlands.
Graeme Swift
SAFETY MANAGER
Role: Safety Manager, Tutor for DOAE L5 and COAE L4
Experience: Former Science and Bio teacher who transitioned to outdoor and snow sports instruction in France, Scotland, and Switzerland. Returned to NZ to teach Outdoor Ed, joining Hillary Outdoors in 2006.
Qualifications: NZOIA Kayak 2, Bush 2, Rock 1, Alpine 1, Canoe 1, plus qualifications in Avalanche, Skiing, Snowboarding, Sailing, Mountain Biking, Orienteering, and Archery.
Passion: Enjoys the growth and development of students, helping them master new skills, gain confidence and maturity in a supervised setting.
Heroes: Sir Ed Hillary and Graeme Dingle for their adventurous spirit and contributions to others. Also Cody Townsend, Ben Stokesbury, Nouria Newman.
Favourites: Kawekas tramp from Poronui station to Mangatainoka hot springs, heli-boating on the West Coast, and Access 14 releases on the Tongariro River.