A Fresh Coat of Reflection

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I’ll admit, I sat down to write this unsure what to say. It’s been one of those weeks where the days blur together in a haze of paint fumes and drop cloths.

While it might seem quiet up here at Te Kūwaha Mātauraka, I can assure you, it's anything but. With a ticking clock counting down to the return of school groups, every hour is packed — from repairs and maintenance to improvements big and small. It's full steam ahead. Quiet? Only if you don't count the hum of power tools and the thump of paint buckets hitting the floor.

But amidst all the sanding and staining, I’ve had some time to reflect on why I love this place so much.

There’s something incredibly special about Te Kūwaha Mātauraka. Not just the location though, with the lake at our doorstep and Fiordland’s majesty out every window, that’s a big part of it, but the purpose it serves. The impact this facility has on our boys is huge. Here, they’re challenged in ways a classroom can't replicate. They learn resilience, teamwork, independence, and leadership — often without even realising it. They return to school not only with muddy boots and great stories, but also with newfound confidence and connection.

For me, this job is never boring. One minute I’m climbing a ladder with a paint roller, the next I’m discussing a marketing idea, fixing a burst pipe, teaching Outdoor Education, mowing lawns or greeting a group fresh off the bus. The variety keeps me on my toes and constantly learning — which I love.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the support I get from behind the scenes. Though I’m four hours from Dunedin, it rarely feels like it. The McGlashan team is a well-oiled machine, and I’d be lost without the help and guidance of people like John Veitch, Joff Riley, Kirstyn Sandall and Tom Casey. There are also those who probably don’t get mentioned in newsletter articles but deserve to be - Kim Jellie, Gina Riley, and Michelle Loggenberg. I often wonder, do they get sick of my emails? “Can you pay this invoice?”, “Can you whip up a marketing poster?” (there are many more I could mention).

The wider McGlashan community has been equally fantastic. There’s a real sense of shared purpose and belief in what we’re doing up here — and that support keeps the momentum going.

And of course, I’m lucky to share this experience with my family. Esme (9) and Luna (4) are growing up surrounded by mountains, bush, and lake — not a bad backyard to have. Watching them explore and thrive in this environment is a joy in itself.

Last but certainly not least, I couldn’t do what I do without Megan. Her advice, support, and knack for helping me see the bigger picture make the challenging days that much easier.

So while this week may have been mostly about painting (and then painting some more), it’s also been about gratitude. For the people, the place, and the purpose that make this more than just a job.

Jason Palmer

Operations Manager

Te Kūwaha Mātauraka - JMC Second Campus