For Matthew Cattin, teaching in a high school is a road littered with full-circle moments. In four years on the job, he's had kids call him ‘Mum’, ‘Dad’ and ‘Miss’, he's taught his classes PE games that he invented with friends during lunch breaks, and watched school bands thrash out Nirvana, Green Day and Pearl Jam – just as he did in the mid-2000s.

But the biggest throwback experience has been taking over a Duke of Edinburgh silver group, getting kids into nature, and re-walking some of the tracks he cut his own tramping teeth on.

With a few years of Duke of Edinburgh experience under his belt, this is his key takeaway.

Missed Friday’s feature? DOC investigating Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle operator over rules breach, first kākāpō chick in four years hatches on Valentine's Day, famous ice caves in USA open to hikers for the first time in 14 years and more in last week’s The World Outdoors.

Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!

What is the origin of the term ‘cornflake’ forests, Tauanui Hut spruced up, using public transport for the Heaphy, and being energised by Walk1200km. These are just a few of the letter’s we received from readers this month.

Read more letters and send in your own! Email [email protected] and be entered to win prizes!

Our photo of the week comes from Peter Laurenson and is from our feature in which we rank every Tararua hut.

Author, Anna Watson says, “Like many of the huts in the Tararua, Dracophyllum is notable for its mouldy interior. Happily, it has a cheerful exterior and makes a good lunch stop.” It ranked 33 out of 50 on our list.

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