So why did a 32 year-old procrastinating business mentor from BNZ who never really put herself out there to do anything (unless some mates were going) decide to put herself through 20 days of intense, amazing, beautiful, awe-inspiring, physically demanding, mentally and emotionally challenging craziness with 13 strangers? This was the question I asked myself during my epic journey of a life-time that was Aoraki Bound in March 2016.

Looking back I think – how could I not? At the time my motivation was somewhat less driven. While Kāi Tahu (Ngāi Tahu as I knew it) was my iwi it wasn’t something I affiliated with in terms of my identity, let alone with tōku hapū Kāti Māhaki and my mauka Aoraki. I learnt these as part of my mihi prep but at that time they were still just words, the connection wasn’t there as a foundation for who I am. My time with Kupe rōpū (our watch/group in Aoraki Bound) changed this. I was also keen to further my understanding of who I am today, what kind of leader I am, what are my strengths, develop and grow my communication skills and put myself to the test physically as well.

So what did I get out of Aoraki Bound? My time with the rest of Kupe really turned these strangers into whānau. You tend to bond fast when spending 24 hours a day together.

I went from knowing the words of my mihi to actually feeling connected to them and what they meant. Came away with a fresh look on culture, and what it means to be Kāi Tahu . A lot more than what I had ever anticipated coming away with. But what I really loved was just the connection side. Feeling present and connected to our group, to the natural world and to the people who came before me. While we had people of various backgrounds on the course it didn’t matter – it was about learning and appreciating what had gone before us no matter where we came from. The hard journeys, the physical challenge of continually tramping, swimming, climbing, running were challenging for a desk bound office worker – and this was part of the learning – I was (and am) capable of more.

As someone who’s never really felt like they were 100% part of a group I can honestly say I leave with lifetime friends and whānau. A newfound passion for sleeping under the stars and the knowledge that I can do more. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to be able to step up for Aoraki Bound and immensely proud of myself for completing the journey, staying true to who I am and for continuing to learn about myself on the way. My Kāi Tahu knowledge and learning is still a work in progress but so am I, as we all are. I’m now just more comfortable and confident to continue my journey and I urge anyone who has the opportunity to take that first step to do so.
Aroha nui.

Rōpū Kupe.

Rōpū Kupe.

Jess Scott.

Jess Scott.

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