I am a 17 year old currently in my final year at Wakatipu High school. Living in Queenstown has given me the opportunity to ski and snowboard which has now become one of my passions. In 2024 I received my level 1 ski instructor qualification and intend on doing my level 2 in 2025. I have also been able to work from a young age waitressing at a variety of places. I am one of the lead prefects for the Maori and Pasifika council as well as a part of the Wakatipu High School Maori and Pasifika dance group where we have performed at Queenstown Lakes District Polyfest. Alongside all of this I have always had a love for the sea. I am a member of the girls under 19 Whakatipu waka-ama team and enjoy being out on the water regularly with them i have also been apart of the wakatipu highschool rugby girls first XV as well as the oatgo country U16 rugby team. My family and I travel up to Northland every year to stay at a family home by the beach. It is one of my favorite times of the year as I am able to spend all day in the water and surf a variety of breaks. In 2023 my father and I went on a one month surf trip down the Australian east coast. We went from Nossa all the way down to Melbourne and Wilsons Promontory along with many other places in between. This experience has been one of the most memorable moments within my lifetime as I was able to explore the world by doing one of my favourite things, surfing.
My mother and people around me have always told me about how amazing the Spirit of Adventure is and that the skills and knowledge you bring back are life changing. Spirit of Adventure is a 10 day sailing trip around the bay of islands with no outside contact. I have been lucky enough to be accepted for one of their 2025 voyages. I have always been fascinated by sailing and am so excited to get to experience a full on 10 day sailing trip. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with my friends and others when I get back.
I am so grateful that the Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation has offered me funding for this trip, it really helps me to be able to explore more of what New Zealand has to offer. Thank you so much for doing this and I can not wait to share my experience with you.
