Te ORA member Dr Inia Raumati (Ngāti Mutunga, Te Ātiawa) is helping create new opportunities for rangatahi through the Kia Mau, Kia Ora Scholarship, a personal development initiative for Year 12 students across Aotearoa.
At the centre of the scholarship is the Southern Lakes Ultra, a 250km multi-stage, self-supported ultramarathon in Queenstown. Recipients are supported to prepare for and complete the event, but the kaupapa extends well beyond the race itself. The scholarship is intended to help students build confidence, resilience, discipline and a stronger sense of what they are capable of through committing to something genuinely difficult.
Throughout the journey, recipients work directly with Inia and receive professional training, mentoring, ongoing guidance and peer support. The scholarship also covers entry into the Southern Lakes Ultra, travel costs, essential gear and equipment, and includes a financial contribution toward future education or career development.
A key part of the programme is helping rangatahi think about where they want to go next. Inia connects recipients with experienced ultramarathon runners, doctors and other professionals whose experience aligns with their interests and future aspirations. The opportunity is particularly relevant for students interested in medicine and health, while remaining open to rangatahi considering other career pathways.
The scholarship grew out of Inia’s own ultramarathon journey. In 2024, he became the first person in the world to complete a self-supported multi-stage ultramarathon on every continent within a single year, running more than 2,000 kilometres across some of the most demanding environments in the world. The challenge formed part of a wider goal to raise funds and create opportunities for young New Zealanders.
Applications are open to Year 12 students across New Zealand. Applicants do not need previous ultramarathon experience, perfect grades, or to have already decided what they want to do in the future. The scholarship is looking for students who are willing to challenge themselves, commit to the training, learn through the process and give the opportunity a genuine effort.
How Te ORA members can help
Te ORA members can support the scholarship by sharing the opportunity with Year 12 students, whānau, schools and communities in their networks. Members may also be able to support recipients through mentoring, career kōrero, or connections with Māori doctors and other health professionals.
For further information, download the prospectus or contact kiamaukiaora@gmail.com.