Breakout Course on Waiheke Island

On Monday and Tuesday this week I attended a course that the Bank put me on located at the Waiheke Island Resort on Waiheke Island.

There were about 14 people on the course with Anupam and Kai from Client Services as well. There was a range of people from Technology in Auckland and the rest from Wellington. We were put up in villas and all meals/alcohol included. We took the ferry on Monday morning to the island and the group was transferred to the Resort by Bus.

The breakout course covered the following areas; Core principles, Trust, Transformation and Learning, Creative Choice, Clearing withholds, Values, High Performance Mind, Communications, and Commitments.

I received a pack which contained the following items; Breakout Course manual, ANZ Technology Pen, juggling Balls, a keyfob with spectacle cleaner, Energy Bar, drink bottle, Desktop LCD clock, relaxation audio CD, and my own personal 'press pause' card.

After I returned to the CBD on Tuesday I shouted Anisha dinner at the Lone Star in Newmarket. Again, I used one of the vouchers from the Entertainment Guide.

The Amazing Race

On Friday ANZ National Technology were involved in a team building event on Waiheke Island. It was the Amazing Race! There were four teams of four people each. The idea was to score as many points possible and win the race.

Prior to going to the Island our team went into The Warehouse and purchased some team hats. We picked some pirate hats. One of the other teams were quite funny in their wearing of hats with "cow girl" written on the top of them!

The following people were in my team; Anupaum, Alex, and Chris. We were briefed on the ferry on the way over, and the games began as soon as we arrived. We had various tasks to do which varied from taking photos of particular situations, to flinging eggs at a target on a sports field.

When we arrived on the ferry we were given a set of tasks, a jeep, and a digital camera to take photos. There were short time limits and we needed to meet several times at certain "pit stops" to receive our further instructions/tasks. At the pit stops we were given an option to do one of two options. Typically one was more intellectual-based while the other was a physical activity.

Failure of of activity would give rise to another activity you would need to complete instead. For example, when on the sports field we failed to hit the target with our supply of eggs and had to complete some brain-teasers. Full credit to Chris for his excellent work here.

After the event we went to a bar (The Lazy Lounge) on the island and had alcohol and nibbles. a thoroughly exciting day!


Video: Returning to the ferry after the amazing race!

Additional Information: Waiheke Island is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. There is a great range of activities on Waiheke. Options include sightseeing, mountain biking, sea kayaking, a relaxed vineyard tour and much more.