eTXT enables eTXT messages to be sent directly from a desktop computer to any selected group of mobile
phone numbers.

With up to 11 student groups spending several days tramping, kayaking or sailing in the sounds in remote locations, course instructors must be prepared for
changes in the weather or other situations which could affect the safety of those in their charge.

Using eTXT, the duty manager at the Anakiwa base station can send a message to all group instructors in the field advising them of approaching weather conditions. Group leaders can also text the base to advise of any changes in rendezvous details.

Tom Speers, a course instructor with Outward Bound for three years, says the service is of particular benefit as Telecom’s mobile network can carry text messages to some of the more remote areas of the sounds.

“Having foreknowledge of weather warnings is crucial for maintaining safety. Plus, in the past we’ve had to deal with the occasional sprained ankle and haven’t always been able to make contact. eTXT gives us peace of mind and is also unobtrusive which means we can get on with what we’re
doing with a group without being interrupted by phone calls.”

Outward Bound is also finding other ways of using eTXT to support their students and save money at the same time. Each year more than 1500 new students have to complete three forms to register for a course.

“It can be administrative nightmare. That’s over 4000 pieces of paper that we have to ensure are processed on time every year,” says Outward Bound’s Finance and Systems Manager, Diane Leyten. “The young people who sign up for these courses almost always have mobile phones, so with eTXT we can send them reminders to get their course information to us on time.

“It’s the easiest, most cost-effective way of keeping in touch with a large group of people, which is important for us as a not-for-profit organisation. It’s much quicker and simpler than phoning or
writing to each student to chase up details. Now we contact everyone at once with a few key strokes.”

Outward Bound will also soon be using email and eTXT as part of an initiative to locate and help reconnect 45,000 students who have completed a course in the last 44 years. “At an Outward Bound course, you’re taught that we need to support each other to grow as human beings,” says Diane.

“Our new website for former participants (www.outwardbound.co.nz/mywatchmates) will help participants maintain those relationships and continue to instil those values into the future. eTXT and email will be important components in the communication of this new service.”

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