OUR TEAM

Christine ‘Grover’ Worsfold - Director

A registered Teacher and highly qualified Outdoor Instructor, Grover brings over 25 years in the outdoor teaching profession to TOPEC.

Grover has also worked as a technical expert for outdoor audits, assisted in writing specific outdoor NZ Activity Safety Guidelines and delivered Tourism Industry Association workshops for OutdoorsMark audits. She also currently assesses for Skills Active and NZOIA. Her extensive knowledge, experience and zest for life are integral to the quality and vitality of the outdoor education programmes at TOPEC.

Colleen Frederickson - Operations Assistant

After completing the Level 4 certificate in Business Administration & Technology at Te Pukenga/WITT, Colleen found herself joining the team here at TOPEC. She is a “behind the scenes superstar”, helping ensure things run smoothly.

Born and raised in New Plymouth, she loves her community. In her down-time she enjoys immersing herself in the fantasy worlds of video games, along with being a cat mum to her tuxedo cat Towzer.

Josh Kirby - Lead Instructor

Josh came to TOPEC at the beginning of 2016. He arrived with a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure from Whitireia Polytechnic. Josh loves sport, playing basketball and volleyball, and is passionate about rock climbing and being

in the bush. He has qualifications in Bush and Rock from NZIOA, PHEC,

and is a Grade 3 Raft Guide.

Josh is a vibrant, involved member of the community. If you are ever looking

for Josh around the TOPEC grounds, he can usually be located by his loud singing voice.

Don Paterson - Senior Instructor

Don was the Assistant Director of TOPEC back in the 90’s. He has worked various roles over the years for Hillary Outdoors, the last as their Training Manager. Don is a Teacher, and an award holder and assessor for many of the NZ Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA) disciplines. He has recently been awarded Life Membership of the Association awarded to a member who personifies the very best combination of an excellent instructor/guide, a high achieving personal performer, and an outstanding contributor to the work and promotion of the association.

In his infrequent spare time, he remains competitive in orienteering, mountain biking, and adventure racing. Other times he will be kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, skiing, taking photos, or sharing himself with his family and grand children

Rachel Vickery - Instructor

A registered teacher, a love of the outdoors and a passion for working with kids, Rach joined the team early 2023. Growing up, TOPEC was a place Rach grew to love and always aspired to work for; attending as a student multiple times during high school and then again as a volunteer instructor.

Rach has worked alongside tamariki and rangatahi for well over a decade with experience worldwide, including summer camps and cruise ships. She brings to TOPEC her silly campfire songs, a kete of knowledge in large group games and a desire to continue learning wherever she goes. She is currently working towards obtaining her Outdoor Leadership (level 4) qualification.

When Rach finds spare time, she enjoys volunteering in the community, spending time with her whanau and getting out for outdoor missions!

Zoe Harvey - Instructor

Zoe completed a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, majoring in Outdoor Education and Sport Management. She then set off to travel Europe, popping over to Norway to work as a Sea Kayak Guide.

Zoe’s love for the ocean brought her back to New Zealand and eventually back to do what she loves most in her hometown, working with youth in the outdoors. She has qualifications in bush, rock climbing, sea kayaking and white-water raft guiding.

Bailey "Bagels" Ryder - Instructor

After completing TOPEC’s Level 3, 4, and 5 programmes — and earning his Grade 2 Raft Guide, NZOIA Rock 1, and Sea Kayak Leader qualifications — Bagels is stoked to be a part of the crew here at TOPEC. He rolls in every day with a big, contagious smile, good vibes for days, and his signature "sweet as" attitude that lifts everyone around him.

A true ocean and bush lover, you’ll find Bagels chasing waves, exploring the outdoors, or hunting when he’s off the clock. His real passion lies in helping tamariki grow into confident, capable leaders — building resilience, communication, and a connection to the natural world. He’s all about inspiring the next generation to thrive in school, the community, and wherever life takes them. Sweet as! 🤙🏾

Matthew Richards - Instructor

Matt is now employed at TOPEC after completing our level 3, 4 & 5 courses, as well as gaining NZOIA qualifications in raft, rock and sea kayak.

He enjoys showcasing the outdoors to people who haven't experienced it, seeing tamariki grow in themselves while pushing their comfort zones to reach their potential, and allowing them to become future leaders.

Matt is an avid mountain biker, alongside trying to spend as much time as he can hiking on the maunga, rock climbing and exploring what our awesome region has to offer.

Jayden Dravitzki - Instructor

Jayden first came to TOPEC in 2021 completing our Level 3, 4 and 5 courses while also picking up NZOIA qualifications in Rock, Sea kayak and gaining Raft Guide Grade 2. Jayden loves to bring his energy and yarns into the outdoors and loves to inspire the next generation to push themselves out of their comfort zone.

Jayden found his passion for the Outdoors through a background of sport and loves to spend his spare time playing Rugby, Cricket and Golf on the weekends.

You’ll spot Jayden around TOPEC rocking his KFC hat, and having heaps of fun

Alan Sarten - Instructor

Alan has been part of the TOPEC operation for a long time. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in and around Taranaki. He is a Grade 3 Raft Guide, has qualifications Bush and years of rock, and caving experience.

Alan is a Taranaki Dairy Farmer and this comes across in his instructional style – cheesy jokes and a down-to-earth approach.

Jasmine "Jazz" Leatherby - Instructor

Jazz is now employed at TOPEC after completing our Level 3 and 4 courses. She likes to inspire tamariki to appreciate nature and the peers they have around them, helping them grow more confident and resilient, and allowing them to become future leaders.

Outside of work Jazz loves exploring the outdoors. Whether she’s out hunting in the ngahere, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, or playing sports with her friends and family.

Michelle "Shelley" Hurley - Instructor

With Shelly you'll possibly hear her before you see her. Look out for her big smile!

From a very young age she developed a passion for the outdoors. In Year 13 at Sacred Heart Girls College she spent as much time as she could at TOPEC, and completed our Level 3 and 4 certificates in outdoor experiences. When a space became available to join the team at TOPEC she jumped at the opportunity.

She loves watching and encouraging all of those who come to TOPEC to participate in all activities and push themselves out of their comfort zones. “ Real growth starts where comfort ends”

In her spare time you will find her exploring the outdoors, playing rugby, or enjoying some water skiing in the summer. Tumeke🤙🏽

Cayden Marsh - Instructor

Cayden is an old hand at TOPEC. Having completed both the Level 3 Certificate in Outdoor Experiences and the Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor Leadership here, Cayden went on to complete the Level 5 Diploma in Outdoor Tourism at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. His love of the Maunga has brought him back to Taranaki, which is a real bonus for TOPEC

In his spare time, Cayden can be found ripping up the slopes in the snow or the waves, on the beach lifeguarding or wakeboarding on the local lakes. Cayden is passionate about sharing his love of the outdoors with his students, showing them a good time while learning new skills.