Students celebrate Kaweka Outward Bound course

Adam McMillan from Hastings Boys' High School and Paula Vaimaa from Hastings Girls' High School, pictured last night at the MTG, both tackled Kaweka Outward Bound. Photo Duncan Brown

Local students, who were pushed to the limits at Kaweka Outward Bound, celebrated their experiences last night.

In June this year, 14 students from eight Hawke's Bay High Schools traversed high ropes, climbed rock faces blindfolded and swam before sunrise in an intense 21-day course held down in the South Island.

This was the second year Kaweka had been running and Outward Bound school director Simon Graney said students continued to build courage and resilience and experience success as members of a team.

"They identify their own vales, develop an appreciation for the natural environment and experience being of service."

One of the 14 students, who was identified by instructors as someone who had great leadership potential, spoke at the event last night.

Hastings Boys' High School student Adam McMillan said he had learnt everything from leadership to teamwork.

"I not only learned more about myself but the course definitely strengthened my leadership skills and my ability to lead different people."

Mr McMillan said he also learnt how to adapt to new situations and how to get to know people in a short space of time.

"We learnt how to work as a team to overcome challenges and it was great to meet so many new people."

The course was designed for the region's youth and for over 50 years Outward Bound has changed the lives of thousands of New Zealanders, helping them reach their full potential through challenge and adventure in the outdoors.

The Kaweka course takes place once a year and each school selects one or two students based on their leadership and commitment at school, who then receive a full scholarship donated by private donors in the region.

This year students came from Hastings Boys' High School, Hastings Girls' High School, Hukarere Girls' College, Flaxmere College, William Colenso College, Karamu High School, Wairoa College and Te Aute College.

Last year Flaxmere College student Joel Faave was a stand out on the course and Flaxmere College's administration executive Kathryn Simmons said the skills he developed at Outward Bound were being recognised within and outside school.

"This year he was elected on to the school's 2017 Student Leadership Team; he's well on track to achieve his NCEA Level 3 and is focused on a career path into the Armed Forces. Joel is also very involved in his local community through the Talk To Me Trust."

Fundraising to send the students to the adventure school was an on-going process.

Mr Graney said these young people don't have the financial resources to benefit from an opportunity like Outward Bound and they were always looking for more support.

If you would like to find out how you can help more students attend Outward Bound, please call Outward Bound Funds Development Manager Karla Paotonu 04 2821421.