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As founding trustee a typical day sees Jeremy liaising with staff, projecting 180’s various philosophies and services to the public, NGOs and government agencies with whom 180 has partnerships. Fundraising, attending camps, overseeing expeditions or hatching new projects play a vital part in his life as 180 reaches out to those young people requiring assistance with personal leadership.
I am an experienced people leader, supervisor and mentor with strong operational, strategic and people leadership skills. I have worked in the social services sector, both within statutory and NGO organisations for over 30 plus years. My strengths are my interpersonal skills, and my ability to listen, engage, mentor, problem solve and think strategically on how improvements may be made which can impact on positive outcomes for individuals and ultimately teams and organisations. I am able to build strong relationships and connections with people from all walks of life, which I have found in my experience to be the `key’ to finding workable solutions for all. I love to laugh and to see the positive in situations. My glass, as they say, is always half full!
My journey combines a passion for the outdoors with a commitment to youth development. Since earning my Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management in 2013, I’ve worked with people in a range of roles, using nature as a space for learning, challenge, and personal growth.
I’m driven by a belief that the outdoors has a unique power to transform lives. The mountains and rivers are more than just places to explore; they’re classrooms for courage, connection, and self-discovery. What guides me is the opportunity to make a lasting difference: helping young people build confidence, resilience, and direction through shared experiences in the natural world. My approach is grounded in recognising strengths, fostering connection, and leading with compassion.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me out adventuring; tramping, climbing, skiing, mountaineering, biking, running, or canyoning — or simply taking time to soak in the peace and perspective that being outdoors brings. I love challenging myself in nature and sharing those moments with others, whether it’s a sunrise on a summit or a quiet walk in the bush. For me, the best part of what I do is watching others find that same sense of purpose, belonging, and possibility through the wild places we explore together.
Paddy is an experienced kaiako and outdoor educator with an enthusiasm for empowering rangatahi through meaningful experiences in nature. Skilled in a broad range of outdoor pursuits, he brings a high level of technical expertise, sound risk management, and a passion for facilitating personal growth to 180 Degrees and our communities.
Paddy embodies the values of manaakitanga (respect), whanaungatanga (connection), and experiential learning (learning by doing). His calm and compassionate approach weaves evidence-based pedagogies and thoughtful planning to create inclusive and supportive environments for rangatahi to feel valued and empowered to be their best self
Since graduating with a Diploma of Environmental and Outdoor Leadership in 2018 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainability and Outdoor Education from ARA in 2020, he has been working in a range of practical and management jobs within the outdoor education industry. These roles include managing Boulder Co. Auckland from conception, and the Operations Manager of Adventure Works in Auckland. From these roles he brings a wide range of practical and management skills, as well as a keen passion for Health and Safety within the outdoor industry.
Abby joined 180 Degrees at the beginning of this year, however she and her husband have been volunteers at 180 over the past 14 years. Abby has a Bachelor Degree from Lincoln University and worked previous roles at the Ministry of Education and Community Health. She and her husband lived in Hong Kong for seven years where Abby taught at an international primary school. Abby is passionate about skiing and being with family and friends in the great outdoors whenever she gets the chance.
Eleanor is originally from Southern Africa and studied chemistry at the University of Cape Town. She moved to New Zealand 38 years ago and after her children were born she started looking after the finances in the family businesses. She found that she had a love and aptitude for numbers and accounting. She has been working in financial administration roles for about 20 years. She especially enjoys working with not for profit organisations. Her favourite things to do when not working are running, hiking and playing squash.
Jason’s career as a professional musician led him to working as a music teacher with young people, and a particular affinity with those that were struggling socially or personally then introduced him to Youth Work.
He is an Adventure Coach for 180, and brings his enthusiasm for the outdoors, music, and personal development together to instill self-belief in the young people he works with.
Francis is 180’s registered Abseiling and Rock Climbing Instructor. She operates mainly on the local Banks Peninsula crags, supporting youth and creating opportunity, problem solving and technical skills. Member of NZOIA and NZAC.
https://www.akaroarocks.com/
1985 – 1989 Whakarewarewa te Puia, New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts institute Rotorua 16th intake. Simon shares his knowledge and skills about carving, coming along on hikoi’s and local adventures.
He is a Mentor for 180 youth, supporting and inspiring Young People in the Canterbury high country, imparting knowledge on the environment, hunting, flora and fauna and how to be independent.
