Who is Mission Adventure Trust?
Mission Adventure Trust believes Life is The Real Adventure!
The directors and crew are all successful professionals who make time to share their passion for life with others. We are leaders living exciting, adventurous lives, and we are committed to imparting this zeal to others who want to follow this lifestyle of serving others.
MAT currently has three trustees:
Phil van der Mespel
Phil has carried the vision for MAT for over 25 years and made many visits to Island nations of the South West Pacific by sail and air. A yachtie with thousands of ocean miles Phil has competed in New Zealand’s classics, and even the infamous 'Fastnet Race' in England. He has also owned ocean-going vessels. In between stints at building Phil has been a high achiever in commercial sales in the building industry, leaving to develop a profitable residential property business. Phil's heart is to share his love of sailing with children who might not have access to sail-training by any other means. Phil's contribution to his community includes being Training Officer for the local volunteer Fire Brigade and serving the community in various roles.
Douglas Vause
Having supported the vision of MAT for nearly 20 years, Doug is employed part-time by primary and intermediate schools in Auckland’s Western Bays with responsibilities for instructing sailing and outdoor safety. He has sailed large yachts since his twenties. Doug was in-country director of disaster relief work in Central Asia managing million-dollar aid projects, and prior to this was self-employed for 12 years in signage after training as an industrial chemist. He has a lifetime of training young people in outdoor adventure. His 'day job' is pastoring Pt Chevalier Baptist Church.
Mark Thomson
Relatively new to the MAT vision and initially trained in 'Safety and Surface' with RNZAF and now a Consultant Civil Engineer Mark is well qualified to oversee our safety equipment and processes. 'Back of Beyond Ltd' is Mark's home business specialising in custom covers and safety harnesses. Mark is new to sailing but is a fitness buff, being a competitive cyclist, kayaker and runner. In his spare time he can be found fishing, camping and building wooden boats of all descriptions, leading an Iconz (Boys Brigade) Unit and leading the music at his church.
Others involved
Our team of supporters include several who have operated similar ministries and maritime businesses so we feel we are well-favoured to succeed.
Who we are
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- Definitions
- What is MAT
- Who is in MAT
- In the news
- About Maggie
Did you know?
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The Spirit of Adventure Trust, having given thousands of young New Zealanders a taste of life at sea, has been recognised as the world's best trainer.
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Thoughts
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It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself.
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-Anna Eleanor Roosevelt