Leadership centre takes in Sir Edmund's name

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 428, 17 March 1992, Page 4

Leadership centre takes in Sir Edmund's name

The Outdoor Pursuits Centre of New Zealand, considered a leading provider of quality outdoor educational experience in the country, was the scene of a double celebration recently. Sir Edmund Hillary officially opened a new residential leadership training facility, built with the help of a $400,000 lottery grant, and at the same time agreed to attach his name to the Centre. Sir Edmund has been patron of the Outdoor Pursuits Centre since Graeme Dingle estab-

lished it as a non-profit making adventure organisation 20 years ago. While Sir Edmund played down the name change for the Centre, now called the "Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre", saying he thought it had a perfectly good title already, others had no reservations about the value added by his name. In a video message, OPC Director Grant Davidson, who is currently studying in the United States, told guests that adding Sir

Edmund's name to the Centre would give it a strong image. "His name stands for personal achievement, understanding of the environment, having a good time and enjoying the outdoors," Mr Davidson said. "The same values OPC stands for. Adding Sir Edmund's name will help our image in New Zealand and around the world." Interim OPC Director, Peter Kettering said Sir Edmund is an inspiration to all New Zealander's, a permanent reminder of what this country is really about. And Chairman of the OPC Board of Trustees, Brian Carran said Sir Edmund is an example to the young people who come to the centre not only to learn something about the outdoors, but something about themselves. The new leadership centre, financed by the

New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, is a pur-pose-built accommodation and lecture complex for adults attending management training and outdoor leadership courses. Up to 20 people can be accommodated in the centre on a twin-share basis. OPC pioneered an "outdoor experiencebased approach" to management training in the early 1980's. This approach uses a range of adventure activities as the basis for learning and teaching. Features of the new centre include a seminar room with audio visual equipment, access for the disabled, large living areas, open fire, plus kitchen, dining and bar facilities. Funds raised through leadership centre activities will go toward the building of a schools/youth development complex.