Download the Ngāi Tahu Corporate Profile - Ngai Tahu

Aoraki BoundAoraki is the sacred mountain of Ngāi Tahuand the tallest in Aotearoa.Ngāi Tahu oral traditionsrecord that Aoraki was theeldest son of Rangi (the Sky)and Papatūānuku (the Earth).Aoraki and his three brothersbrought the great waka, TeWaka o Aoraki, down fromthe heavens, but it becamestranded and overturnedtipping the brothers intothe water.They climbed on to theupturned canoe waitingrescue, but as time passedtheir hair went white and theyturned to stone, becomingKa Tiritiri o te Moana (theSouthern Alps) with Aorakiforming its highest peak.The place of Aoraki in NgāiTahu culture is significant; themountain is a symbol of ourmana (prestige and character)and as a people we look to itslofty heights with respect andfor inspiration. Aoraki Bound a20-day cultural and personaldevelopment programmedraws on this relationshipto help build the leadersof tomorrow.Aoraki Bound combines NgāiTahu cultural knowledge andexpertise with the experienceand reputation of OutwardBound in a journey fromAnakiwa at the top of TeWaipounamu to the feetof Aoraki.Te Rūnanga recognisescultural revitalisationis crucial to the futuresustainability anddevelopment of Ngāi Tahuas individuals and as acollective. We have a genuinedesire to share our knowledgeand values and a strength ofthe course is that it is not justfor Ngāi Tahu, but for allNew Zealanders.The value of Aoraki Boundis being realised by thedifferences it makes to ouryoung generation in termsof reviving and enhancingNgāi Tahu culture, knowledgeand identity, and thedevelopment of ourpeople as future leaders.“Ekea kā tiritiri o te moana...Ascend to the heights ofyour aspirations”(Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki)Aoraki Bound was “anamazing experience” thatchallenged Rauhina Scott-Fyfe physically, mentallyand culturally.“I came away very inspiredand in many respects it wasa defining point in helpingme better understand myselfand my Kāi Tahu identity,”says the 19 year old OtagoUniversity student.Rauhina has always feltconnected with her KāiTahu culture and is in herthird year of Māori Studiesand Geography. She isconcentrating on te reo papersand considering going on todo her Honours year.“Aoraki Bound was greatfor me because it combinedmy passions of tikangaand geography. I reallyfelt strengthened in my KāiTahu identity after doing thecourse being able to learnby experience and follow inthe footsteps of my tīpuna(ancestors).“What has stayed with me is aconfidence that I can actuallydo anything I set my mind to.I look at life positively andtry to challenge myselfevery day.”42 43