Aoraki Bound completes its 10th course this Friday 19 March and celebrates the success of more than 100 graduates, including aspiring Ngāi Tahu future leaders.

Aoraki Bound is a 20 day cultural and personal development programme, combining Ngāi Tahu cultural knowledge with the leadership and outdoor challenges of Outward Bound.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon says the success of the programme is a tribute to all those involved, including local rūnanga; Arowhenua and Ngāti Waewae.

"Aoraki Bound is a remarkable programme. Graduates emerge with a new understanding of Ngāi Tahu culture, belief, language and history. They discover and earn inner-strength, decisiveness and confidence. These are all traits and knowledge required of our future Ngāi Tahu leaders."

Meridian Energy has sponsored Aoraki Bound since its inception in 2006. Its General Manager of External Relations Garth Dibley says the course is a great opportunity for participants to learn the history of the South Island.

"I know our staff who attend the course return with a renewed vigour and determination. It is also a great opportunity for Meridian to build our relationship with Ngāi Tahu. We both have a commitment to a sustainable environment and the values of Aoraki Bound fit well with this," says Garth Dibley.

Aoraki Bound students spend eight days at the Outward Bound facility at Anakiwa, Queen Charlotte Sound and 12 days on a hīkoi (journey) from Anakiwa to the base of Aoraki.

What graduates say: "Aoraki Bound was the richest experience of my lifeI felt truly humbled to have walked in the footsteps of my ancestors " "Aoraki Bound has given me this sense of true identity and belonging to my people and the land on which we live"

Aoraki Bound is supported by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Outward Bound and Meridian Energy.

Visit www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz/Ngai-Tahu-Whanui/Aoraki-Bound or call 0800 KĀI TAHU, 0800 524 8248.