Moana Bywater is the Director of Medical Recruitment Agency, Good Together. She’s a people person who thrives on human connection, collaboration and community. She’s also an adventurer.
“When you work with doctors in an agency setting, it can be difficult to build and create that sense of community, so I had this idea to bring my doctors together while participating in the awesome adventure of tackling the Tongariro Crossing.
“It was such an amazing experience, 8 hours walking together though breathtaking scenery really bonds you together.”
The idea to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with her international doctors came about after she spontaneously agreed to do the 19.4 kilometer trek with a friend. Initially concerned that she wouldn’t be fit enough to handle the terrain, Moana’s reservations evaporated once immersed in the breathtaking scenery.
“I just felt so privileged to have this this incredible, beautiful place within grasp, and I decided it was an experience that needed to be shared, says Moana.
“Our doctors are connected via a WhatsApp Group which is where I planted the seed. The hike was one of the best things I've ever done, and I wanted my doctors to experience it too.”
Good Together are experts in finding doctors locum and permanent jobs throughout New Zealand. Many of their candidates are from overseas, living away from friends and family and trying to plant roots in their new country. Moana says bringing her doctors together for the climb has helped to foster beautiful friendships and has created a sense of community.
“Having made two international moves ourselves, we understand how lonely it can be when you go to a new country, says Moana.
“The trek not only connected people together but also gave the doctors the opportunity to see some of the beauty New Zealand has on offer.
“We ended up with five doctors on the walk. My husband and 10- and 12-year-old sons also came along for the adventure. It was a long and challenging walk for my kids, but they excelled. Walking a long trail with doctors also takes some of the nerves out adventuring…you couldn’t ask for a better support crew.”
Her impromptu walk with a friend has evolved into a movement that Moana thinks is only just beginning.
“I’m going to make it an annual thing and I think we will try to mix up the adventures by finding other places and experiences to explore.
“Everyone absolutely loved it. It was the perfect setting to strengthen relationships. We built up a strong camaraderie and I can’t wait to do it again next year…who knows, we may even swap the hiking boots for boats and do a Waitomo Cave Adventure.”