Two young men from Ōpōtiki are preparing for a life-changing adventure after each receiving a scholarship worth almost $8000 to attend a three-week Outward Bound New Zealand course.

Ezrah Tuari-Hape Collins, 20, of Kutarere, and Turirangi Huaki-Flavell, 19, of Maraenui, have each been awarded a scholarship valued at $7984, opening the door to an opportunity that will challenge them, build their confidence and equip them with skills for the future.

The pair headed to Marlborough today, both excited about what lay ahead.

“It’s pretty amazing and an honour to be chosen for this trip,” Tuari-Hape Collins said.

“I’m looking forward to gaining more skills that I can bring back home. I’m feeling excited,” Huaki-Flavell said.

The scholarships were made possible through Outward Bound New Zealand, with Eastbay REAP contributing $3100 towards additional costs associated with the opportunity, including flights, accommodation, transfers, travel and kai.

Eastbay REAP education manager Courtney Andrews said the young men had already demonstrated what it meant to contribute positively to their communities, making the opportunity to support their continued growth a natural fit.

“We are helping create an opportunity for them to grow further, with the hope that they bring that learning and leadership back home.

“Why wouldn’t anyone want to foster this fabulous once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our rangatahi? In their short time, they have shown strong leadership, a willingness to contribute to their communities and a genuine desire to give back to their people.”

Andrews said Eastbay REAP recognised the opportunity to partner with Outward Bound NZ to help remove some of the practical barriers that can prevent young people from accessing experiences like this.

“This is exactly what our kaupapa speaks to – connecting people with opportunities they may not otherwise have access to.”

She also acknowledged Ōpōtiki district councillor Curley Keno, pictured above, a strong advocate for rangatahi, for helping bring the opportunity together.

Andrews said Keno had played an important role in recognising the potential of local rangatahi and helping turn an opportunity into something tangible.

Both Andrews and Keno have a personal understanding of the value of outdoor education, having participated in the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre (OPC) when they were younger, a programme similar in its approach to Outward Bound New Zealand.

Their own experiences have given them an appreciation of the lasting impact these opportunities can have on young people, from building confidence and resilience to developing leadership skills, independence and a stronger belief in what they can achieve.

Keno said it was particularly rewarding to now be in a position to help create similar opportunities for the next generation.

“I believe it’s amazing how Outward Bound approached Eastbay REAP as a trusted community partner to connect rangatahi with scholarship opportunities,” Keno said.

“This was a joint effort and through our community relationships and rangatahi-led initiatives, we identified two young men, supported their applications and Eastbay REAP was able to financially support them as well.

“Having experienced something like this ourselves when we were younger, we understand the positive impact it can have. These programmes can challenge you in ways you don’t expect, help you discover strengths you didn’t know you had and give you skills that stay with you long after the course finishes.

“I believe when our rangatahi are given opportunities like this, they can go on to achieve great things in life. This is particularly important for young people growing up in small rural communities.

“Sometimes all it takes is for someone to recognise their potential, believe in them and genuinely have their backs.

“Our young people have so much to offer. They just need opportunities to discover what they are capable of.”

For Tuari-Hape Collins, the journey itself is already a significant milestone.

Having grown up in Kutarere and attended Trident High School, he said travelling to Marlborough was an experience he would not take for granted.

“I haven’t been past Wellington, so something like this trip is no small feat for me.

“I’m thankful for people like Outward Bound and Eastbay REAP for giving us this scholarship. I don’t know what to expect, but I do know I want to acknowledge them and the people who have made this possible.”

Huaki-Flavell, who attended Ōpōtiki College and was deputy head boy last year, said he was equally grateful for the support and the opportunity to take on something new.

The three-week Outward Bound experience, based at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds, is designed to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership through a combination of physical challenges, outdoor adventure and personal reflection.

Participants take part in activities such as kayaking, sailing, tramping, rock climbing and high ropes, alongside team challenges and opportunities to reflect on their personal values, strengths and future direction.

The programme encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones, build meaningful connections and discover what they are capable of achieving.

While Outward Bound NZ awarded the bulk of the scholarship funding, Eastbay REAP’s additional support helped ensure the practical arrangements could be put in place for both young men to attend.

For two young men from small rural communities, the opportunity represents much more than three weeks away from home.

It is an investment in their confidence, leadership and future, with the hope that the experiences and skills they gain will eventually find their way back into the communities that helped shape them.