Nathan Fa’avae ONZM
Nathan, 54, lives in Tasman Bay near Nelson with his wife Jodie. A lifelong adventure enthusiast, he is one of New Zealand’s most respected figures in adventure racing, captaining the world’s most successful team and being appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2023.
Nathan is a professional outdoor consultant specialising in team-building experiences, sporting events, and adventure racing. He founded the iconic Spring Challenge women’s adventure race and is known for his expertise in leadership, logistics, and safety. While his background is rooted in elite sport, his core career is in outdoor education and event production.
After beginning in Physical Education, Nathan shifted to outdoor leadership, working as a sea kayak guide in Abel Tasman National Park. He and Jodie later owned and operated Kiwi Kayaks, earning a New Zealand Small Business Award, before both becoming instructors at the NZ Outward Bound School.
Through his company, Ten Events Ltd, Nathan delivers high-quality commercial events and consultancy, including tourism strategy work and corporate team-building programmes based on adventure racing principles.
With a strong focus on safety and well-tested systems, Nathan consistently delivers professional, well-executed outdoor experiences that leave a lasting impact.
ENTERPRISE
Director Ten Events Ltd
Founder Real Meals
Director Fa’avae Foundation
BOOK
‘Everyone has a story to tell, this is mine, I hope you enjoy it.’
SPONSORS
RAB
Suunto
Real Meals
Blueduck Packrafts
Tineli Performance Bike Wear
Toyota - BMG - Bowater Toyota