EXPLORING CULTURAL IDENTITY

Growth in the outdoors is for everyone

At Outward Bound New Zealand, we believe the outdoors is one of our greatest teachers. That's why we use the mountains, bush and waterways of Aotearoa, to help people discover strength, connection and purpose, while learning about themselves, the world and their place in it. We believe everyone deserves this life-changing experience and are committed to making it accessible to people from every background.

Cultural diversity is woven into the fabric of Aotearoa. As our nation continues to grow and become more diverse, Outward Bound is committed to ensuring our students reflect the richness of our communities. We bring people together from all walks of life - different cultures, religions, and backgrounds - to connect, reflect and grow. Our courses create space to explore identity, build understanding and celebrate diversity.

How Outward Bound Supports Cultural Connection

Shared experiences
Connect with people from diverse backgrounds through challenge, teamwork, and reflection in the outdoors.

Celebrating identity
Explore your own culture and identity while valuing the unique experiences of others.

Building understanding
Develop empathy, communication, and cultural awareness by living, working and learning together.

Connection to place
Deepen your sense of belonging through connection to the whenua (land), wai (water) and taiao (environment).

Respect for Te Ao Māori
Learn about Māori values, stories and perspectives that shape Aotearoa and our connection to the land.

Inclusion as a core value
We work to ensure all participants, regardless of their background, feel welcome and supported, making efforts to accommodate different cultural and religious needs, such as dietary restrictions and prayer times.

Courses for all
Programmes like Southern Cross and our refugee wāhine course bring together people from different cultures to learn, grow and find common ground.

Global community
Be part of a worldwide Outward Bound network that celebrates diversity and the shared universal goal of human potential.

Outward Bound Cultural Connection Flyers in Chinese & Hindi

We've put together some flyers containing more information about exploring cultural identity at Outward Bound. You can currently download these flyers in Chinese or Hindi (more translations to come).

Alumni Reflections on Cultural Connection at Outward Bound

When Julie Wen signed up for a five-day leadership course, she expected a physical and mental challenge. What she didn’t expect was how deeply it would connect her to herself and others.

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As a second-generation migrant of New Zealand, Cameron Sear, was always battling against a sense of identity between cultures. Outward Bound helped break the barrier so he could show up fully and authentically.

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Clare Ng received a scholarship for Outward Bound from the YWCA and it changed her life. She found the nature of Outward Bound is very different from her Asian culture, but it was here that she never felt more like a true Kiwi.

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