Adventure challenge calls young Niueans

4 June 2014

Adventure challenge calls young Niueans

A bond forged more than 25 years ago between New Zealand’s Outward Bound and a leading Auckland businessman is helping two young Niueans to step out of their comfort zones.

Sixteen year old Monu Hipa and Autalavou Tupuiliu (18) will travel to New Zealand later in 2014 to attend separate courses at the world renowned South Island outdoor adventure school.

The CEO of Auckland-based NZ Mint Simon Harding attended the school in 1986 and he was instrumental in establishing the company’s Outward Bound scholarship in 2013.

NZ Mint has strong commercial ties to Niue through the exclusive use of the nation’s effigy in the company’s successful collectible coins business and Mr Harding has been keen to recognise the relationship.

The courses are designed to provide outdoor learning experiences through adventure and challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

Ms Hipa is attending Outward Bound’s Mind, Body & Soul course later this year and Mr Tupuiliu is enrolled in the Classic Course.

The former course is for school-age pupils aged 16 to 18 and takes the students on kayaking, sailing, tramping adventures and quiet times for reflection in the stunning locations around Anakiwa in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Outward Bound’s Classic Course is for people aged between 18 and 26 and involves kayaking, sailing, rock climbing and “reflection” activities.

Mr Harding says the school was a natural choice when he was working on cementing NZ Mint’s partnership with Niue beyond a commercial relationship.

“Outward Bound provides wonderful opportunities for learning about yourself and preparing for future life experiences. As a business we wanted to provide those sorts of opportunities for our Niuean friends.

“We expect the benefits gained from these courses will prove invaluable as the scholarship winners mature and go on to contribute to the commercial wellbeing of the island and its people,” Mr Harding says.

7 Niueans applied for the NZ Mint scholarship in 2014. Brittany Sioneholo (17) and Talo Leomotu (16) attended the school in 2013, the first year of the scholarship.

The scholarship is open to Niue residents aged between 16 and 26 who are keen to participate in a life enhancing experience through the NZ Mint Outward Bound Scholarship. It is offered in conjunction with the Niue Philatelic and Numismatic Company and covers flights, all fees which include accommodation, and assistance with incidentals.

About New Zealand Mint
New Zealand Mint has been minting legal tender commemorative coins, gold bullion and medallions for more than four decades. As New Zealand's only precious metal mint and one of the first world mints to adopt the .9999 standard for gold coin purity, New Zealand Mint prides itself on high quality design and production work. New Zealand Mint has the most comprehensive range of bullion products in New Zealand including being official distributor for Pamp Suisse and Perth Mint. In 2009, New Zealand Mint opened the Bullion Exchange, the first of its kind in New Zealand which offers a comprehensive service for buying and selling gold and silver bullion as well as on-site insured storage. Leading the way with innovative coloured, silver and gold commemorative coins, New Zealand Mint is known globally for quality and design excellence. New Zealand Mint also produces several ranges of jewellery that cater to many tastes and styles, including the Boh Runga for New Zealand Mint collections.

ENDS

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