Fostering personal development and building leadership capacity is the main kaupapa of a 20-day programme that brings together Ngāi Tahu culture and the development expertise of Outward Bound.

The programme, called Aoraki Bound, is run by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu with the support of Te Puni Kōkiri.

Recently, 10 people aged between 17 years and 50 years participated in the Aoraki Bound programme, including Te Puni Kōkiri policy analyst Tahlia Kingi (Te Arawa, Te Aitanga ā Hauiti).

“I found the course challenging and rewarding, exhausting yet uplifting, and feel I have developed mentally, physically and socially,” says Tahlia.

“I am hugely grateful to my employer, Te Puni Kōkiri, and to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, for providing me with an opportunity that would otherwise not have been possible for me,” she says.

“I have learnt many valuable skills that I can apply in everyday life, and take away many fond memories and close friends.”

The programme included a high-ropes course, waka ama, surf-kayaking, solo bush experience, overnight tramps, half marathon, wānanga and more, while taking in spectacular views of Ka Tiritiri o te Moana/Southern Alps and learning about Ngāitahutanga.

“The course helped me to realise what is important in life and I have since revisited my priorities and made some drastic changes to how I spend my time and energy,” says Tahlia.

“I feel that I have grown as an individual, strong in the knowledge of who I am, where I come from, and what I want to achieve in life,” she says.

For more information about the programme visit Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu on www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz .