Hillary Outdoors partnered with The Rising Foundation to provide ‘once in a lifetime’ moments for South Auckland rangatahi to create life-long memories. 

As part of a fully-funded 4-day residential programme at Hillary Outdoors Tongariro, juniors from The Rising Foundation had many “never before” experiences as part of their Achievement Programme. They were in the snow for the first time, hiked through the bush, kayaked across lakes, and even hung off cliffs. This all sounds epic, if not a little scary, at face value, but Hillary Outdoors and The Rising Foundation see a deeper benefit in encouraging our young people to challenge themselves in unfamiliar spaces.  

By immersing rangatahi in the outdoors, outside of their realm of routine, comfort and familiarity, we create the perfect conditions for building resilience, confidence and character. 

The Rising Foundation’s Operations Manager, Gideon, believes “it’s important to expose them to many possibilities and experiences, to help strengthen their character, broaden their horizons and ignite new passions.” 

The Rising Foundation are an invaluable organisation in South Auckland who work with rangatahi long-term to build their confidence, leadership skills and unlock their full potential. Their long-term preventative programme guides and encourages young people throughout their transition from intermediate to high school and beyond.  

Gideon reports; “We capitalise on every one of their small victories and turn physical breakthroughs into wellbeing insights and life lessons that become the catalysts for shifts in our student’s thinking and genuine change in the trajectory of their lives. It is through this work that we hope to play a role in the development of the next generation of leaders and agents of change in our schools, whānau and communities.” 

Hillary Outdoors amplifies The Rising Foundation’s incredible impact and enables rangatahi to strive for the best personal outcome they can achieve. Our unique, tailored programmes offer continuous learning opportunities and tools to support positive wellbeing. We enable rangatahi to take notice and be present in the outdoors, encourage them to be active, connect with others and contribute to their peers, school and wider community. We open young people’s eyes to a world of potential and inspire them to live for more. 

Wiremu, a student from South Auckland, shared with us that their Hillary Outdoors experience taught them to dream big! 

“Hillary Outdoors is such a safe space for me. It taught me leadership. After going to Hillary Outdoors, I applied to be a student leader, and I got it! Also, before that, I wasn’t too keen on NCEA, I wasn’t that worried about it, but after going and the Instructors helping me out, I went for it and I got awarded my badge for overall excellence. Through this experience, I have created many memories but a forever whānau.” 

For many South Auckland rangatahi, experiences and opportunities like this are out of reach. One day, there will be no barriers for young New Zealanders to pursue their aspirations, but they need your help. They cannot imagine a future of possibility alone.   

Join us in creating brighter futures for young New Zealanders by donating today.  

Photo credit: The Rising Foundation