The 1943 boatshed was badly in need of renovations that Outward Bound could not afford. Photo/Supplied
The 1943 boatshed was badly in need of renovations that Outward Bound could not afford. Photo/Supplied
About 45 Wanganui people have just finished a six-year makeover of a boatshed for the Outward Bound programme near Picton.
"An enthusiastic team of mainly Wanganui volunteers has worked on transforming an old boatshed into accommodation at Outward Bound's off campus site Te Kainga in Queen Charlotte Sound," said volunteer Brenda Baxter.
"At least 63 volunteers contributed their labour and skills over the past six years."
Outward Bound at Anakiwa, Marlborough, offers character and skill development courses for men and women, involving sea expeditions, mountain and river trips, and community service.
It is a non-profit trust, funded entirely by donations and participation fees.
Outward Bound director Rob MacLean was overjoyed with the upgrades, saying in an email to the volunteers Te Kainga "wouldn't be nearly as useable and pleasant if it wasn't for all the work the volunteer groups have put in.
The boat shed after makeover.
"We now don't have to read comments about older or disabled students struggling to get up on to bunks or worrying about falling out," he said.
Upgrades included lining the inside of the bunk room, re-cladding and re-roofing, adding a porch, building a new room, and painting, among other things.
"I was very impressed with the way that everyone just started working the moment they got off the boat," said Mr MacLean. "There was no mucking around - everyone was straight into it."
Wanganui woman Marg Robinson, who organised the volunteers, has been volunteering with Outward Bound for about 28 years.
"I particularly took with me young Wanganui people who had completed an Outward Bound course, to remind them what they promised themselves on the course," she said.
"In 2008, the Outward Bound Trust needed to upgrade the ablutions and the sewerage scheme at Te Kainga.
"I was involved with building consent and applications and could see that the bunkroom and the lodge badly needed renovating but there was no money for this."
Renamed Boatshed 63 in honour of the 63 volunteers, the shed was built in 1943.
Renovations were finished and the shed officially opened last month.
Mr MacLean said they simply didn't have the resources to do what the volunteers had done to the same standard. "Thank you again, on behalf of the trust."
