Bubbly guide distraught

Jodie Sullivan a guide with the Outdoor Pursuits Centre near Turangi. Photo / from Jodie Sullivan's Facebook page

The instructor who took the 11 Elim students down the river is Jodie Sullivan.

It is understood family members from Stratford in Taranaki are supporting her at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, where she has worked for three months. She is said to be distraught.

The bubbly guide attended Stratford High School and obtained a bachelor of physical education degree from Otago University in May 2005.

Friends on the social networking site Facebook have expressed their condolences.

Kirsten McLeod wrote: "Just wanted to pass on my love and thoughts. Hope you are okay and staying strong. You guys do amazing things - don't forget that."

Photos on Miss Sullivan's page show her participating in activities at wilderness camps in Maine, US.

In January, Miss Sullivan was a team leader during the Lion Foundation's International Youth Camp held at Lake Okataina near Rotorua. She helped to supervise 38 young people from Australia, Austria, Brazil, Italy, India, Japan, Malaysia and China over nine days.

In a newsletter, camp director Myra Davey praised the athletic Miss Sullivan.

"Our programme consisted of many walks this year, although it was a little hard-going in the heat. Our youth did struggle a bit but Jodie kept them on their toes."

-Alanah May Eriksen and Elizabeth Binning