Terry Williams
Mountaineer, educator and motivational speaker
Overview
William Pike is one of New Zealand’s most in-demand motivational speakers. He inspires audiences to embrace resilience, courage and growth through adversity, drawing from lived experience of surviving the 2007 Mt Ruapehu eruption, losing his leg, rebuilding his life and climbing in Antarctica. Today he is the founder of one of New Zealand’s leading youth development programmes and a highly sought-after keynote speaker.
Who is William Pike?
On 25 September 2007, William was a 22-year-old schoolteacher sheltering in the Dome Shelter on Mt Ruapehu when the volcano erupted. A lahar of rock, mud and water tore through the shelter, crushing his right leg, which was later amputated below the knee. Refusing to let adversity define him, William returned to teaching, returned to the mountain and built a life centred around challenge, growth and purpose. He later climbed Mt Ruapehu again in 2012 and summited Mt Scott in Antarctica with the Antarctic Heritage Trust in 2017.
Career Highlights
Survived the 2007 Mt Ruapehu eruption and lahar
Returned to climb Mt Ruapehu in 2012
Summited Mt Scott, Antarctica, with the Antarctic Heritage Trust in 2017
Founder of the William Pike Challenge, a nationwide youth development programme
Author of bestselling memoir Every Day’s A Good Day
Recipient of the Kiwibank Local Hero Medal in 2014 and the Blake Leader Award in 2017
Finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year in 2015
Bachelor of Education with first-class honours
Key Speaking Themes
Change is an adventure: growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone
Better Never Stops: excellence is a journey, not a destination
Courage is not the absence of fear: leading despite fear
Unbreakable bonds: relationships and teamwork as the foundation of success
Little things matter: small actions create meaningful change
Culture is key: leaders create environments where people thrive
Problem or opportunity: reframing adversity as advantage
What Your Audience Will Gain
William delivers practical frameworks for navigating change, leading through uncertainty and turning setbacks into momentum. Audiences leave inspired to challenge themselves, strengthen team culture and approach adversity with a new mindset.
Ideal For
Corporate conferences and leadership events
Sales kick-offs and team offsites
Resilience, wellbeing and culture programmes
Education sector conferences and school events
After-dinner and gala keynotes
Frequently Asked Questions...
What does William Pike speak about?
Resilience, leadership, courage, change and stepping outside your comfort zone, all grounded in real-life adversity and achievement.
How did William Pike lose his leg?
William was trapped in the Dome Shelter during the Mt Ruapehu eruption and lahar on 25 September 2007. His right leg was later amputated below the knee.
What is the William Pike Challenge?
The William Pike Challenge is a nationwide youth development programme founded in 2010, helping young people build life skills through outdoor activity, community service and passion projects.
Has William Pike written a book?
Yes. Every Day’s A Good Day is a New Zealand bestselling memoir.
Does William Pike travel for speaking events?
Yes. William regularly presents throughout New Zealand, Australia and internationally.
How long is a typical keynote?
45 minutes is standard with optional Q&A. Shorter and longer formats are also available.