Testimonials

Since leaving institutional teaching 8 years ago I have been privileged to work closely with the following organisations.

• Project Adventure New Zealand
• Alliance Group Ltd Lorneville Plant
• Alliance Group Ltd Pukeuri Plant
• The Learning Attitude and ECNZ
• The Academy group
• Cardrona Alpine Resort
• NZski.com
• SFRITO (Sport Fitness and Recreation Industry Training Organisation)
• Te Roopu Tautoko Ki Te Tonga

Following is feedback I have received as a result of programmes run by Southern Experiential Training:

"Dave Roberts is a highly organised, enthusiastic, and adaptable facilitator. Dave helped us as we worked through a traumatic period of change within our organisation. The selection of material for our development programme was sensitive to the group needs, and without exception everyone who participated in the course spoke highly of him. Dave was really committed to the programme and his post course follow-up was from a genuine interest in the people and our progress. HE REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE ."
Judith Mair OPERATIONS MANAGER Alliance Group Plant.

"A level of professionalism, enthusiasm and expertise above the rest".
Beryl Parke. New Zealand Academy Group.

"Knowledgeable, patient, professional, fun, you are an excellent motivator, full of energy and enthusiasm."
Waiariki Polytech Staff.

"Dave could facilitate for New Zealand."
Craig Beavan. Wanganui YMCA.

"Our own Fiordland Hump track maintenance exercise in association with DOC went really well. It built on all the good work you had done for us over the previous 3 years. Planning and coordinating it ourselves added to the satisfaction. There was no theoretical component - just getting out in a pretty isolated environment, with new groups, doing some pretty hard physical work and giving something back to the community. The helicopter trip in and the walk and jet boat ride out up the Wairauahiri river and across Lake Harauko added to it all as well. There is still really positive feedback coming from it. DOC were amazed - they only expected us to do 1 or 2 km's and we did more than 4 km's. It rounded the whole experiential learning / training programme off just nicely."
Ricky Larsen. Plant Manager. Alliance group Lorneville plant

It taught me to back myself, to rely on others and remember not to let them down because they are relying on me. It was a mentally intense course for me, because of the fear factor, but very enjoyable. I would be quick to participate in another.
It was nice to meet you again Dave, and hopefully maybe again in the future
Course participant

“I’ve had time to reflect on the course so here are some thoughts and conclusions. I went in to this pretty skeptical about the benefits and purpose of it. With time I now appreciate what you are in part trying to achieve. First, setting goals, which I did and was able to achieve to a point where I walked away satisfied with my effort. Heights have always been a very real challenge to me so at forty five years of age that fear had only been raised. This course in part awakened my ability to not only challenge myself but to rely on others to help achieve my goals and deal with my fears. Meeting people for the first time, getting to know them, and then relying on them to literally hold me up, as well as encourage me that I can do it, was a highlight…In conclusion, I am no longer skeptical and can see the purpose of your programme.
Thanks again for your time and well thought out, challenging, programme.”
Course participant

 “At 54 years I would recommend this course to anyone, at any age, they will leave a hell of a lot better person for the experience.  I feel this was the right size group, all setting a goal and achieving it.  Great two days thanks for the experience Dave”.
Course participant

“This course helped to reinforce to me some basic principles in life. Self belief and trusting others. It also reminded me that even though we should always rely on ourselves and back our judgment, we must also remember that there are others who also trust us and are relying on us. All these principles in life of course apply to our work.”
Course participant

Benefits to our work place -
The trust and communication developed between this group of people within two days was amazing. We now have a network developed between the people on that course that can only help our organization as it moves forward into the future. A course I recommend and think it would be of great value to more of our reps.                           

The course exercises and problem solving tasks were well designed to bring a group of individuals together and mould them into a ”team". More importantly the team developed a culture of trustworthiness and confidence in each other to the point that one didn't have any grave concerns for ones own safety. Walking on high ropes is rather stressful and out of most peoples "comfort zone" but made easier with the knowledge that you were in good hands.
  
The choice of venue, provided us with the additional benefit of all having to pitch in with meals etc & reinforced the team concept. Well done Dave
Course participant

Some of the lessons and reflections  I came away with included -
*The importance of functioning effectively as a team to accomplish tasks
*To trust & have confidence in team-mates as they had to in me
*By stepping out of ones "comfort zone" & taking calculated risks the rewards are greater
*Self confidence grows when challenges are achieved
*Most people are capable of achieving or giving more than they realise or are comfortable with
*In a team situation, not all members have the same strengths, but all can contribute in some way
*Getting to know colleagues better away from a work situation has major benefits for future net-working
*Better planning  & communication are key for better outcomes
Course participant