For many years Meridian and Ngāi Tahu have been working together to build a relationship based on co-operation, responsibility, respect and commitment to a shared future. This willingness to collaborate and to recognise each other's responsibilities led Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu to invite us to become a partner in the Aoraki Bound programme.

The programme combines the proven methodology of Outward Bound with the cultural knowledge and aspirations of Ngāi Tahu in an exciting and challenging course for Ngāi Tahu whānau and all New Zealanders.

Aoraki Bound is a doorway to Ngāi Tahu culture, tikanga, Mahinga Kai and reo supported within an Outward Bound framework of personal and social development through values-based experiential learning in an outdoor environment.

A first in New Zealand, it is designed to reinforce Ngāi Tahu identity and offer all cultures, communities, organisations and individuals a better understanding of and comfort with Māori culture.

As part of the Ngāi Tahu Partnership Agreement, Meridian has an opportunity for a staff member to participate on one of the courses each year. Course participants spend eight days at Anakiwa, Queen Charlotte Sound, before undertaking a 12-day hikoi (in this case, a journey both on foot and in waka) from Anakiwa to Aoraki (Mount Cook). The route takes in areas of significance to Ngāi Tahu, including the ancient pounamu trails, important food gathering areas and sites of historical significance, such as rock art. It also passes through many areas of the South Island of special importance to Meridian, providing a unique opportunity for participants to learn about the relationship we have with the region.

The initiative demonstrates the importance we place on our relationship with Ngāi Tahu and provides a special way for all New Zealanders to learn more about Maori culture and the environment we live in.