Ko Ngongotahā te maunga
Ko Te Rotoiti-kite-ā-Ihenga te moana
Ko tāngata te tiriti
No Rotorua ahau
Ko Nick Chater tōku ingoa 

Born and raised with pride in Rotorua, I currently reside in Otaramarae, nestled on the shores of Lake Rotoiti, alongside my lovely wife Kimi. Together, we cherish our two wonderful daughters, Tenaya and Ani.   

I’ve spent the past 30 odd years working, playing and developing my skills in the outdoor recreation, education and adventure tourism sectors. Starting in the 90’s, I’ve worked as a raft guide, MTB instructor, outdoor generalist, tertiary-level tutor in the education sector, and proprietor of two adventure tourism companies. Alongside, I ventured into national and international competitions in rafting, MTBing and Waka Ama.  

The taiao has shaped my life in every way, who I am and how I think. 

For the past 5 years, I’ve been focusing on the taiao as a space for engagement, wellness and healing; working within Rotorua, Te Arawa social services and supporting whānau to make positive change within their lives and on their terms.  In my spare time I love to hit the surf, ride my bike, walk my dogs, eat good food and hangout with my whānau. 

My role is as the National Learning Advisor, Outdoor Recreation. What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to work in a sector that I have been involved with for 30+ years; and is full of such a vibrant and exciting range of people and organisations. Secondly, I strongly believe in the power of education and in particular outdoor recreation as a space for creating positive learning outcomes, especially for those where education was not a positive experience.

Hāpitia te ara tika pimau ai te rangatiratanga mō ngā uri whakatipu 

Foster the pathway of knowledge to strengthen independence and growth for future generations.