KAITIAKI - Key Persons
Chonk has been with Kaitiaki Adventures since 2003 after graduating from Tai Poutini and a short stint with a few companies from the west coast of the South Island. Chonk's fun loving personality enables him to get on well with his clients and work colleges alike. Chonk is now an important part of the Kaitikai crew. Read More
Born and bred in Taranaki, Andy attended OPC (Outdoor Pursuits Centre) gaining his outdoor guiding qualification working as a tramping, mountain bike and kayak instructor. He also attended Waikato University where he earned his Sport and Leisure Degree. Andy's first season with Kaitiaki saw him fit straight into the Kaitiaki environment bringing a true understanding of manaakitanga from travelling the world. A true asset to Kaitiaki. Read More
Job Titles:
- Senior Outdoor Adventure Photographer
The Kaitiaki Whanau have been proud to have Dale as a part of the Team since 2008. Dale moved to Rotorua in her late teens where she attended Rotorua Girls High School, then went on to study at Waiariki Institute of Technology. There she achieved her Certificate in Adventure Tourism, a Diploma in Applied Tourism Management and Certificate in Photography & Arts. Over the years Dale has been a club representative for Waka Ama, World Champion N3 Representative with various other titles from Sprints to Long Distance. Dale also won Gold in the U23 Women's Raft Team at the 2014 World Rafting Championships. Dale has been awarded a NZ Maori Sports Award for Rafting & Waka Ama & Te Arawa Sports Awards for Team of the year, Rafting and Sports women of the Year for Waka Ama.
Dan Kiripatea went to Raukura/Rotorua Boys' High School. He grew up around tourism as a kid most of his 'study' was first hand watching many great drivers/guides. He took a tourism course in high school. Later Dan became a national tour driver/guide and now he is a Senior Mountain guide for Kaitiaki. Dan has a passion for volleyball and exploring hidden gems around Aotearoa. Read More
After being educated at Raukura/Rotorua Boys' High School in Rotorua, Frank studied Sport and Rec at AUT University before joining the NZ Tourism industry. He has filled various roles around Aotearoa including in Milford Sound. Frank re-connected with his whenua (land) becoming a Mountain Guide at Kaitiaki Adventures. When Frank is not working you'll either see him on a sports court or field, or on stage in a musical. Read More
After leaving Tai Poutini, where Glenn completed his adventure tourism course, he came to work for Kaitiaki. Venturing overseas to work but returning after each raft season away. Glenn comes from a sporting background where not only kayaking, rafting and sledging became a big part but also surfing. Glenn is an easy going sociable character whose amiable personality is a great asset to both the clients and the Kaitiaki team. Read More
Grant is one of the original shareholders in Kaitiaki as a senior raft and sledge guides he is a key member in Kaitiaki Adventures. He began rafting in early 1990 and as a natural progression then moved into the sledging field. Grant helped pioneer the infamous Kaituna sledge run in 1999 and represented NZ in rafting in 2001. Grants interests include bodybuilding, rugby league and mountain biking . Read More
Jackie attended Rotorua Girls' High School, she then found she has a passion for the outdoors so enrolled and gained her Outdoor Certifications at the Nelson Institute of Technology. She has since returned to her home town making her mark at Kaitiaki Adventures. Read More
James was a valued member of Kaitiaki Adventures and had been guiding since 1996. James represented NZ internationally in the NZ raft team in 1998 in Costa Rica where he then went on to captain the team in 1999 and 2000. His interest in photography led him to establish Adrenalin Shots - where James photographed various whitewater activities (including Kaitiaki's Photos). His passion for Waka Ama, kayaking, mountain biking and "Life" saw him as the perfect role model for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. James will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Ko Au Te Hoe, Te Hoe Ko Au.
Manu studied at MHS and completed his REO Rafting in Canada. Manu joined the Kaitiaki Whanau in 2017. Manu is an accomplished boater and has a passion for outdoors. Manu brings manaakitanga ensuring all his clients have the safest yet unforgettable experience. Read More
Nigel came to work with Kaitiaki after finishing his work with the "youth at risk course" where he spent 4 seasons. Nigel has been rafting for 6 years working his way up from an aspirant guide to a senior. Nigel is our river manager, his relaxed manner is a bonus in the stressful times and he is an integral part of the Kaitiaki team. Read More
We are privileged to have Nikki Kelly within Kaitiaki Adventures. It is hard to sum up Nikki's many successes over the years. She is world renowned in kayaking having made a career for herself in rodeo kayaking, creeking and expedition kayaking. Nikki's rafting team has represented NZ since 1999. She recently took out the Top Place for the Extreme Down-River White Water Kayaking Championship held in Vail, Colorado 2009 and has been named the Whitewater Woman of the Century.
Educated in Wales UK at Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn, Sam then moved back to NZ and gained his Whitewater skills at Kaitiaki Adventures on the in-house training program. His passions include field hockey and rugby and spending time with his whānau. Read More