William Pike spoke to Year 8 students at Orewa College on 17 February about resilience and rebuilding after a life-changing volcanic eruption.

Explorer inspires students by speaking openly about recovery and rebuilding after life-changing injury

Our Year 8 students recently heard from explorer William Pike, who shared the story of surviving a volcanic eruption and rebuilding his life after severe injuries.

William spoke openly about the eruption that led to the loss of his lower legs, the uncertainty he faced during recovery, and the long rehabilitation process that followed. He described the practical steps and mindset shifts that helped him regain independence and adapt to a new way of living.

Throughout the presentation, William challenged students to think differently about setbacks. Rather than avoiding difficulty, he encouraged ākonga to focus on what remains within their control and to take small, deliberate steps forward when things feel uncertain.

At the centre of his message was a simple idea: courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act despite it.

William also introduced the William Pike Challenge, a programme that helps young people build resilience, confidence, and independence through outdoor adventure, community service, and personal passion projects.

For many Year 8 students beginning a new stage of schooling, the session offered a grounded example of resilience in action and a reminder that challenges can become opportunities for growth.

Content Credit: Katelyn Martin, William Pike, Julie Gibson