They went first so others could follow. Now one young New Zealander each year gets to find the way forward, not to war, but to whatever comes next.
Why pathfinders
In the First World War, more than 100,000 New Zealanders stepped aboard troopships at Wellington and sailed for places most had never heard of. In the Second World War, their sons and daughters did it again. None of them knew what lay ahead.
Most were young men, on average about 25 years old when the war began. The pathfinders went out in front. Their job was to find the way and mark it, so everyone behind them could follow safely. It took nerve, judgement and a willingness to face the unknown.
That spirit does not belong only to war. It is what every young person needs to step into a future nobody has mapped yet. The Pathfinder Award carries it forward as progress.
The award
Each year, Guy Hollister of The Anzacs will personally sponsor one student to take part in an Outward Bound New Zealand course.
Outward Bound has been getting people into the outdoors and out of their comfort zone for more than 60 years, to prove, in their own words, “There’s more in you.” New Zealand’s mountains, bush and waterways become the classroom. The physical challenge is only part of it. The real test is often mental, and the reward is finding out what you are capable of.
Our soldiers found that out in the hardest way. The Pathfinder Award lets a young New Zealander find it out in the best way.
“They stepped into the unknown for us. The least we can do is help the next generation step into it for themselves.” Guy Hollister
How to apply
Entry is open only to schools that have completed the Gallipoli Uncovered information pack.
At those schools, any student can apply. Send us a written submission telling us why you are the best person to go to Outward Bound.
Dates and how to submit are coming soon. If you would like to hear when they are ready, get in touch.
Guy Hollister
The Anzacs, Whanganui, New Zealand
Email: guy.hollister@gmail.com
The Pathfinder Award is a private sponsorship by Guy Hollister and The Anzacs. It is not an official Outward Bound New Zealand programme. Learn about Outward Bound courses at outwardbound.co.nz.