WHO
WE ARE
FRIENDSGO LEADERSHIP
AN ASPIRATIONAL VISION
In a world where declining water quality, decreasing biodiversity, and dwindling wildlife populations signal a planet in peril – and where increasing rates of mental health issues and lack of meaningful human connection indicate a society in distress – we at Friends of the Great Outdoors Charitable Trust (FriendsGO) see a brighter path forward. Rather than accept these dire realities, we aspire to inspire hope for a future our successors can be proud of – where life is healthy, vibrant, and harmonious.
We strive to be a beacon of hope – an organization dedicated to leaving a legacy of a better tomorrow. We envision landscapes teeming with biodiversity, local parks that sustain communities physically through recreation and nutrition, emotionally as a source of calm, and spiritually as places of inspiration. We believe in taking action now for the benefit of future generations.
We dream of a world where people live life at the edge of the wilderness rather than the edge of urban sprawl. A world that marvels at nature's wonders and appreciates the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of vibrant, healthy ecosystems.
The people we serve will develop a healthy respect for our great outdoors, understand the humble place humans occupy within it, and be driven to make change for the benefit of the environment and all its inhabitants. They will choose to explore and restore, becoming advocates for our natural world. They will walk through clean forests and expect bountiful harvests, knowing they have played a fundamental role in its restoration and health. They will unearth nature’s potential for all, as much as they will extract their own potential – living with a sense of hope that a better tomorrow is possible through strong relationships with the land and each other. They will demand a better future and work with us to achieve it.
To realize this vision, FriendsGO is committed to provide and promote outdoor educational and recreational opportunities; provide and promote conservation efforts for Aotearoa New Zealand's great outdoors; and promote, safety, best practice, and innovative thinking in outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Our commitment fosters understanding, appreciation, and love for our great outdoors – driving everyday decisions to protect the environment, others, and oneself beyond the FriendsGO name. We will achieve this through strong relationships with our environment, supporters, and each other – living by our beliefs.
A CULTURE OF WELLBEING
At Friends of the Great Outdoors (FriendsGO), our culture is deeply rooted in teamwork, collaboration, and a shared passion for Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural spaces. We recognise that the challenges facing our environment and society cannot be tackled alone. Instead, we believe in working together to create a brighter future, where people and nature thrive side by side.
Our team is built on connection, trust, and a collective commitment to making a lasting impact. Whether leading outdoor education programs, engaging in conservation efforts, or advocating for the protection of our wild spaces—we embrace a culture of support, cooperation, and shared responsibility. We uplift and empower one another, knowing that strong relationships—both with people and the land—are key to achieving our mission. Together, we go further.
We believe that the outdoors is essential for physical and mental wellbeing. Time in nature fosters resilience, reduces stress, and strengthens our sense of belonging. We actively encourage our team, volunteers, and participants to embrace the healing power of the natural world and recognize its role in maintaining a healthy mind and body. Our programs are designed not only to teach outdoor skills but also to inspire confidence, self-discovery, and a deep connection with nature and community.
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to best practice, innovation, and continuous learning in outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Whether navigating a rugged backcountry trail or facilitating a group activity, we prioritize the wellbeing of our people and ensure that every experience is safe, inclusive, and enriching. Our team upholds the highest standards of risk management, ensuring that participants can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.
FriendsGO is more than an organization—it’s a movement. We believe in action, advocacy, and stewardship, and we lead by example. We cultivate a culture where everyone has a role to play in protecting and restoring our great outdoors. By working together with integrity, passion, and a spirit of adventure, we are shaping a future where all Kiwis have the opportunity to experience, appreciate, and care for the natural world.
This is who we are. This is what we stand for. FriendsGO Far Together.
