Aoraki Bound Alumni

"He aha te mea nui o tēnei ao, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata…"
What is the most important thing in this world, it is people, it is people, it is people

Work is underway to build a comprehensive alumni programme through the proactive use of a database to facilitate ongoing communication with Aoraki Bound graduates. It is anticipated that this new database will provide an avenue to offer graduates other opportunities to engage and build real leadership capacity into the iwi. Eight Aoraki Bound courses have been completed since the pilot in March 2006.

Aoraki Bound #1 (March 2006)

• Arapata Reuben
• Shannon Goldsmith
• Kathryn Haliburton
• Liz Hirst
• Hui Kāhu
• Tiaki Latham-Coates
• Andrea Lobb
• Trina Lowry
• Brian Marsh
• Rachael Rakena
• Vicki Ratana
• Eruera Tarena
• Lyndon Waaka
• Alison Richmond

Aoraki Bound #2 (February 2007)

• Ailsa Cain
• Henrietta Latimer
• Melissa Lean
• Awhina McGlinchey
• Huia McGlinchey
• Jan MacKay
• Karaitiana Mita
• Manunui Ramsden
• Melanie Sargent
• Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann
• Jordan Taipana
• Brett Tamati-Eilliffe

Aoraki Bound #3 (March 2007)

• Kelly Barry
• Laura Clayton
• Megan Driller
• Lily Fraser
• Christine Lloyd
• Andrew Mason
• Kate Moody
• Karen Stewart
• Tiriana Te Pakeke
• Dionne Willcocks

Aoraki Bound #4 (August 2007)

• Kristen McGavock
• Prashantha Padiyar
• Keela Atkinson
• Jared Rīwai-Couch
• Bridget Gutsell
• Carol Denny
• David Duncan
• Arapera Hudson
• Carla Amos
• Patrick Blackburn
• Sean McCready

Aoraki Bound #5 (February 2008)

• Hannah Babe
• Herena Stone
• Janice Donaldson
• Zoe McGavock
• Kuao Duff
• Tim Jackson
• Kate McIntosh
• Kerry Robb
• Pita Watkins
• Wiremu Stone
• Teone Sciascia

Aoraki Bound #6 (March 2008)

• Kiriona Kereru
• Hayden Pohio
• Jodie Denton
• Fern Jenkins
• Sandy Wakefield
• Hone Stevens
• Greg Byrnes
• Ann Martin
• Tracey Wemyss
• Brett Lee

Aoraki Bound #7 (February 2009)

• Joe Moody
• Huhana Carter
• Manaia Rehu
• Tahlia Kingi
• Peter Burger
• Ata Stone
• Te Koharaki Mason
• Mike Davison
• Justine Whitaker
• Hannah Leckie

Aoraki Bound #8 (March 2009)

• Tania Byford
• Dave Taylor
• Donna Huria-Whakatihi
• Hira Pōtiki
• Sarah Fulham
• Andrea Te Puni
• Kiri Parata
• Hamish Harding
• Shannan Hargreaves
• Alex McKinnon

Student Testimonials

Eruera Tarena, 27, Project Leader

Aoraki Bound was the richest experience of my life. I have never felt more alive than on those three weeks. Going into the course I felt very secure in my identity as Kāi Tahu. I am a fluent speaker of te reo, a love of history and tradition had been inherited from my family so I was confident in my Kāi Tahutaka. However, this did not impact on the intensity of experience and I felt truly humbled to have walked in the footsteps of my ancestors. To read a book, to know history is one thing, but to have actually lived it, to have walked those trails is an entirely different experience with far deeper meaning. I believe Aoraki Bound has the power to create powerful leaders that are in touch with the whenua, the moana, themselves and most important their culture. It provides a meaningful way for Kāi Tahu to engage and participate with our environment and culture in an ever-increasing fast paced world.

Vicki Ratana, 39, Iwi Communications

It was an incredible journey for me, from all aspects: te taha tīnana (physically); te taha hinengaro (mentally)' and te taha wairua (spiritually), and I found myself constantly challenged in all three areas many, many times. There were key factors that contributed to making Aoraki Bound the amazing success it was for all fourteen of us. I believe the most important factors in our success was the amazing group of thirteen people I had the great fortune of sharing my experience with. Personally I experienced many highs on Aoraki Bound and I know that I would not have achieved many, had I not had the support aroha and tautoko of my fellow watch mates. While I found myself well outside my comfort zone on several occasions throughout the duration of the pilot I know that mentally and emotionally I was being challenged and that those experiences have attributed to making me stronger and better able to cope with what life now has to offer me. I know now, that I can do anything I set my mind to, I can achieve it, so long as I believe it – then it will happen.

Tiaki Latham-Coates, 20, Student

The Māori and Kāi Tahu content within Aoraki Bound was simply mind-blowing. Everyday I was learning new words, stories and facts. I was being told the history of an area while I walked the path on which the story took place. In my opinion it is one thing to be told, or to read the legend but to walk it, and see where it happened is the complete experience. I believe that for the first time I was bonding with the land of my people, and I was growing a deeper sense of what it means to be Kāi Tahu. Before Aoraki Bound I identified myself as Kāi Tahu, only because my father is Kāi Tahu and it is the iwi I trace back to. It was not because I felt a deep connection with Kāi Tahu and Te Wai Pounamu. Aoraki Bound has given me this sense of true identity and belonging to my people and the land on which we love. It is tough to explain, but it just feels right. I felt as if for the first time I fitted in with my iwi, and could say with pride that "I am Kāi Tahu".

Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann, 23, Project Coordinator

Personally, I have gained more of a sense of what I should be pursuing in terms of my passions in life. As a result of Aoraki Bound, I am able to recognise the things in life that matter to me more clearly and see them as legitimate paths to pursue, rather than a hobby or spare-time activity. Although I will have a long path ahead in order to create this new vision for my life, I am confident in my strength of will to achieve it. Strength of will is also something I learnt a lot about. Most of the difficulty lies in your head. Believing something will happen will ensure a better chance of its reality, both good and bad. It's easier to get to the end if you focus on the goal, rather than the noise distracting you. All these things have been reinforced within my way of thinking about tasks and problems.

Melanie Sargent, 32, Senior Māori Analyst

Living in Wellington with working long hours as a lifestyle, Aoraki bound was a timely reminder that it is important to touch base with our people, our whenua and our whakapapa on a regular basis. If not only in the name of good personal health, but as a good health check for all things that matter to our whānau, hapū and iwi. It reminded me of what is able to be achieved when you move as a whānau and draw on each others strengths and skills – this can get you through anything, even the seemingly impossible. It also reminded me of how young our people are (or how I am getting older!) and how the future is so bright with these kind of stars filling our skies. It also reminded me of how precious our kaumātua are, but this is not news. It was exciting and humbling to visit and contribute in our own way to the new marae development at Ngāti Waewae and be part of an initiative such as Aoraki bound – both of which would not have been possible without the many years and remarkable intrepid journey completed by our tīpuna in traversing the treacherous landscape of Te Kereme.

Huia McGlinchey, 24, Maōri Community Liaison Officer

For me, Aoraki Bound was a journey of a lifetime. I call Aoraki Bound a journey rather than a course as it was a journey in every sense of the word.  We travelled far and wide to arrive at our Mauka ariki ko Aoraki. I cannot explain by words alone the journey I undertook on this hikoi as words do not encompass the beauty of the people, the land and the interconnectedness of the two worlds. One of the goals I set for myself before the course was to push myself beyond my comfort zone. This was achieved beyond my wildest thoughts.  Daily, I encountered new and challenging adventures which I believe have given me increased self belief and confidence.  I now have a new sense of perspective of what I am able to achieve which in turn raises the expectations I have for myself. After the programme I believe I have more to offer the community, my whanau, marae, collegues and the students' I work with.  The values that are adhered to on the programme assist me in all aspects of my personal and professional life.  It is for these reasons that I am so eager for everyone to participate on Aoraki Bound and have a journey of a lifetime.

Jodie Denton, 32, Biodiversity Officer

Where to start? No two ways about it – it really was one of the best things I have ever done! And the good thing is that it was something I really wanted to do for myself, not something that someone suggested or thought would be good for me – but something I wanted and then set out to get.  I have always known that my whānau are Ngāi Tahu and that we came from Akaroa…….. but that was about it. I have always been quietly humbled and envious when listening to and being around Māori, to hear the language and beautiful songs, to see how proud they were, how warm and welcoming they are of their homes, to see the strength and happiness in their whānau. It's hard to put my finger on, but there is a real strength in all of that. That was something that one of my rōpū told me in our feedback – that there is a real strength in being a Māori woman. And I know she was right. So my challenge continues……!!  I would really like to thank Ngāi Tahu for this fantastic opportunity – for providing the journey and assisting me to take it – I feel very privileged and would do it all again tomorrow!!

Mike Davison, 23, Assistant Development Manager

I believe the main thing I got out of the course was a greater understanding and appreciation for what Ngāi Tahu culture is all about. I went into the course knowing very little about the people I work for but believe I have come out knowing a lot more about who they are and where they come from. It was an awesome experience to be able to stand on and see the places that were in the all of the stories we got told. But overall it was a great experience to meet a whole lot of new people and enjoy all of the activities that the course had to offer. The course has definitely changed my cultural awareness, not in terms of my perception as such but my understanding and knowledge of cultural issues. I believe this is something that I will never lose as well as something I can look to expand on through further learning. It was also a good opportunity to experience a lot of different activities that you don't often find yourself in and it is interesting to see how people respond in certain situations. I believe it is a good tool for anyone no matter who you are, to further learn about not only Ngāi Tahu but also about the other people in your group and about yourself along the way.

Ata Stone, 21, Student

As a whole Aoraki Bound has taught me more about myself than anything I've ever done. The friendships and bonds that grew on our journey will always bind us together as a roopu and eventually our iwi where we can value our collective strength and identity and realise the privilege it is to be Ngāi Tahu. I have learnt a great deal about myself, my abilities and the restrictions I had placed on myself. The most evident example would be my boost of confidence and just to do what I want to do in life! The possibilities are endless - basically the ability to live my dream. The course has helped me find my voice not in a literal sense but my passion. Aoraki Bound will forever act as a turning point for me. Deciphering what is important in life and what isn't and in essence the core values that make me the person I am. It will represent the key to unlocking my journey of our tupuna and my heritage as a descendant of Ngāi Tahu.

Huhana Carter, 50, Lecturer

For me, Aoraki Bound was an experience of a life-time. It provided a rewarding and unforgettable venture, which was physically challenging, spiritually uplifting and confidence building. This opportunity enhanced my cultural awareness, language skills and historical knowledge of Kāi Tahu. All were strengthened through exposure to the underpinning values of the course which are aroha ki te takata (respect for all); rakatirataka (realise your full potential for shared benefit); tohukataka (embrace every opportunity and commitment to our tribal values); and kaikōkiritaka (push beyond the boundaries). These were values of our ancestors, which provided links to the past, present and future through whakapapa, karakia, waiata, whakataukī, haka and origin stories. I would like to encourage others to take the challenge. The motto that Aoraki Bound uses states "Ekea kā tiritiri o te moana……Ascend the heights of your aspirations" Here I was, our ancestor Aoraki towering majestically before me, luring and inspiring me to succeed in the final climax of my adventure. I felt humbled and incredibly insignificant yet the manaaki and mana of Aoraki, my tipuna, enveloped me...I had just achieved one of my aspirations along the journey of life.

Manaia Rehu, 21, Student

Prior to the course I thought I would struggle more than I did with all of the long days and early starts. However I surprised myself. I now have more belief in myself and find life less challenging at this stage after completing the course. The major thing I got from the course was experience first hand of Ngāi Tahu culture outside of the Banks Peninsula. Visiting pounamu trails and rock art opened my eyes and are now etched in my memory. Also the numerous teaching from Iaean were priceless and will hopefully carry me through into the future. The roopu and the close bonds we formed is another major aspect which can be taken from the course. On a personal note I believe I developed as a person and especially as a leader taking as many opportunities as they arose. Only positive aspects from Aoraki Bound have been taken and used in this post Aoraki Bound life. The course has renewed my goal to learn te reo as I want to be a fluent speaker so that I can carry on the language on the marae and to my children. Also by attaining the language, a full understanding of the Ngāi Tahu culture can be achieved. The experience also brought out some leadership qualities which had been rather dormant. Therefore I hope in the future to be more of a leader amongst my people. Finally I think the whole Aoraki Bound experience has told me to live up everyday, respect the environment, and to set my goals high as I am capable of anything.

Tania Byford, 35, Office Manager

From the moment I arrived in Anakiwa until I left it was always in the back of my mind the golden opportunity I had been given to be part of such an amazing course. This was reflected in every aspect of the hīkoi, not wanting any opportunity for learning to pass me by. Aoraki Bound to me was an experience of a lifetime. I met 10 strangers who soon became whānau, and our shared encounters will be with me forever. I try hard every day  to apply the principles I learnt at Aoraki Bound and when I find myself with a decision to make I refer back to what I learnt on the course every time. I discovered many things about myself. One that I feel strongly about is that I wear many hats as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, employee and when I live in a day to day rut it is very easy to lose sight of my individuality, the things I aspire to and what drives me. Aoraki Bound has helped me rekindle those dreams. I have new goals set and Aoraki Bound has given me the tools to make it happen.

Hira Potiki, 23, Sales & Marketing Coordinator

I found Aoraki Bound both challenging and rewarding. Learning about my Kai Tahutaka was one of the highlights of the course. I enjoyed being in a supportive environment while learning the karaka, karakia and waiata. I also found it rewarding being able to help others with their Te Reo Maori. Since returning I have signed up with the Kāi Tahu ki Rotorua Roopu and look forward to being involved. I will also keep my eyes open for any Te Reo wānaka as I would like to continue to develop my Kāi Tahutaka. I have also tried to take on the group's feedback in my day to day life. I learnt a lot from the group feedback sessions. It is interesting to discover what other people believe your strengths and weaknesses are. I learnt from my group that I don't realise how much potential I have and I need to believe in myself. Since returning I have enjoyed challenging myself and making the most of every day. I believe Aoraki Bound has already had a great influence in my life and will continue to have impact on my future. Recently it was great to hear my friend point out the changes that she has seen in me since I have returned. My friends are amazed how determined and motivated I have become in following my dreams and achieving my goals. I have developed a ‘just do it' attitude.

Dave Taylor, 47, Department of Conservation Area Manager

I found the course to be a very valuable experience and I feel energised and my wairua towards our Ngāi Tahu culture strengthened. Through my work and personal interests, I have acquired good experience in the backcountry so I was very comfortable and not greatly challenged by the outdoor activities. However this meant at times I was able to contribute my knowledge and experience, which turned out to be a positive and actually quite confidence building. Some of the cultural aspects of the course challenged me. I find learning the reo particularly hard but I have come away with new knowledge skills and confidence. My pepeha has been improved. I learnt new waiata, karakia and haka, which I can use with confidence and will look for opportunities to keep the skills current. The course has given me the confidence to register with the Oraka Aparima Rūnaka and become more active and contribute to the mahi of the rūnaka and the tribe. In doing so, I have been amazed at the welcome and the amazing range of exciting opportunities to participate".

A Reflection…

The following reflection was written by Huhana Carter while on Aoraki Bound (Feb 2009). "It summarises that I acknowledge as I tramped the tracks of our ancestors many things were different. However, even after so many generations, there are still many experiences that remain the same. "

Kā tapuwae o tātou tīpuna; kā mea he ōrite.
(The footsteps of our ancestors; the things that are the same.)

The early karakia of the manu
The twinkling of the stars
The lapping of the moana
The heat felt from Te Rā

The gathering of the clouds
The tramping of the paths
The gentle showers of rain
A longing thought for a nice warm bath

The twisting of the awa
The tumbling of the rocks
The tipping of the footholds
And a bruise or two from the knocks

The glistening of the water
The cold chill of the wind
The heavy weight carried on back and shoulders
But it's taken on the chin

The freshness of te Ha
The gnarly shapes of kōhatu and pakiaka
The joy of waiata, kōrero and kata

Kā mahi o ka namunamu
Te tamoko o the kiri
Ekari, te tikaka o te rōpū
"kaua e amuamu"

The array of shades of colour, in the rākau, leaves and bark
Along with the cheerful mihi from the putiputi, sure lifts the heart
The staunchness of kā mauka
The view from the tihi
The performing of the haka there
"Āe! Ka mau te wehi!"

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Contact Aoraki Bound

Kari Moana Kururangi
Ngai Tahu Leadership Programme Advisor
Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu
PO Box 13046
Christchurch
Ph 03 371 9360
aoraki.bound@ngaitahu.iwi.nz

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