OUR MISSION:

"TO EMPOWER YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH THE CHALLENGE OF THE SEA"

TE WAKA HIRINGA TANGATA - THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE TRUST

An organisation committed to inspiring people, in particular youth, to embrace the challenge of the sea.

Hiringa - perseverance, energy, determination, inspiration, vitality. Waka – a canoe, a ship (kaipuke), flight of birds, an organisation

“E tū ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā. Stand aloft the stern of the canoe, and feel the spray of the future biting at your face”

TE WAKA HERENGA TANGATA O AOTEAROA - THE SPIRIT OF NEW ZEALAND

The ship that unites all peoples of Aotearoa-New Zealand

Herenga – obligation, commitment, connection Herenga tangata – unites, binds people.

“He pou herenga waka, herenga tangata. A post the binds the waka also binds people”

SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE TRUST WAS SET UP IN 1972 BY LOU FISHER WHO HAD A VISION TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH OF NEW ZEALAND.

The Trust has gained and maintained a reputation in New Zealand as a highly respected youth development organisation providing a unique environment for youth development, where the focus of learning is on team-work, developing skills of communication, self-leadership, self-reliance, self-discipline, self-esteem, resilience, confidence and leadership. Learning to sail a tall ship is only a small part of the programmes offered.

We've taken tens of thousands of young New Zealanders on voyages of personal discovery on board our tall ship, Spirit of New Zealand. Although we're described as a sail training organisation, our main objective is to develop positive qualities in our young people.

Today, Spirit of New Zealand is believed to be the world's busiest youth ship, sailing around ten months of the year. Subject to stringent, on-going maintenance surveys, refits and audits, Spirit of New Zealand is expected to be able to continue operating youth voyages until around 2035.

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CHAIRMAN, STEPHEN FISHER

"Since its inception in 1972, the Spirit has become an iconic expression of youth, ships, people, the sea and opportunity combining to create positive outcomes for the trainees nationally with ripples around the world.

Clearly demonstrated outcomes include leadership, independence and community spirit and are apparent in the trainees as they step ashore. This reflects our robustly reviewed belief that the Trust's youth development programme continues to be effective for today's young people.

Dedicated, qualified and competent crew ensure the challenge remains for each voyage and encourage individually with an understanding of co-operation, instilling discipline whilst providing a safe, friendly and enjoyable environment and retaining a sense of adventure.

The Trust strives to offer equal opportunity to all young New Zealanders to participate in our development voyages. This equal opportunity is provided by way of voyage subsidies and potential trainees are encouraged to apply. There is no reason why any young New Zealanders who are eligible for a voyage should miss this opportunity for financial reasons.

The Founder of this Trust, my late father Lou Fisher, would be as proud as I am, along with our Board, staff and supporters of the progress that has been made since 1973; progress that has and continues to deliver a world recognised life-changing experience that is accessible to all young New Zealanders."

Crew Awards

TOPGALLANT AWARD

This award was introduced in 1998 to recognise outstanding service over a period of more than ten years. Both volunteers and the Trust's permanent staff are considered eligible. Generally two are given annually.

TOPSAIL AWARD

This award was introduced in 2001 to honour outstanding service by a past participant who has contributed their time over a period of three years or more. Generally one is given each year.

Chairperson's Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognising incredible ‘Spirit Champions’. This award recognises outstanding ongoing contribution to Spirit over a sustained period of time. It can be awarded to a current/past volunteer, past member of staff or Board member.

2024 Award Winners

Topgallant Award Winner - James Mitchell

Topsail Award Winner - Eliza McCracken

Topsail Award Winner - Chris Thompson

Chairperson's Lifetime Achievement Award - Jim Lott