Te iti Kahuraki Athlete Programme
Providing sponsorship and support to local sporting talent
“Whāia te iti kahuraki, ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei” – “Seek the distant horizon, should you bow your head let it only be to a lofty mountain”.
Community is a huge part of what we do at Shotover Jet and at the heart of our business are our core values; Manaakitanga (looking after our people), Rangatiratanga (leadership), Tohungatanga (expertise) and Kaitiakitanga (stewardship). We are always striving to provide these for our community.
The Te iti Kahuraki programme at Shotover Jet, provides sponsorship and support to local sporting talent.
Sponsorship package includes (valued up to $3000)
- Monetary support
- Access to Shotover Jet passes to support fundraising efforts
- Free Shotover Jet rides for athletes and access to special whānau discounts
- Shotover Jet merchandise package
- Professional Photography Package
- Exposure on Shotover Jet digital platforms
- Social Media Workshop
Meet the class of 2025!
CHARLIE
GYMNASTICS
Charlie is an aspiring artistic gymnast with a passion for both competing and coaching. This year, he aims to place in the top 10 at the Gymnastics NZ Nationals for Level 5 and continues to work towards his long-term goal of competing internationally. As a coach, Charlie strives to be a motivating role model for younger gymnasts, particularly those aged 5 to 11.
In 2024, Charlie became the first male gymnast from Wānaka and Central Otago to qualify for the Otago team and medaled at the GymNZ Nationals.
Charlie is deeply aligned with the values of Te Iti Kahuraki, reflecting Manaakitanga, Rangatiratanga, Tohungatanga, and Kaitiakitanga through his gymnastics journey. He takes pride in looking after younger athletes, leading by example, and continuously honing his skills. Being part of this programme will allow him to further promote these values through his achievements in gymnastics.
FINN
SWIMMING
Finn, a proud Ngāi Tahu athlete from Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki, is an accomplished swimmer with big goals for 2025. He aims to compete at the National Age Group Swimming Competition in Hawkes Bay, alongside other major events like the DIVII National Competition, NZ Secondary School Competition, and NZ Short Course Champs. Finn has already achieved qualifying times for these prestigious competitions.
In 2024, Finn earned a bronze medal for 200 Back at the DIVII competition, achieved qualifying times for 2025 NAGS and NZ Short Course events, and also represented Wakatipu High School at the Maadi Cup, where his rowing team made the A final and placed 4th.
Finn is passionate about representing his whānau and iwi on the national stage. Being part of the Te Iti Kahuraki programme will enable him to continue working hard to reach his goals while inspiring tamariki and rangatahi to follow their dreams. Through his involvement in sports like swimming and rowing, Finn aims to be a role model for others, showing that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible.
ROSA
GYMNASTICS
Rosa, a dedicated gymnast since the age of 5, has shown exceptional talent in competitive gymnastics. In 2023, she medalled in every competition she entered, including 1st place at the South Island Championships and 4th in the All Around competition at the NZ National Gymnastics Championships. She also earned a silver medal on vault. Her achievements this year have earned her a spot on the New Zealand Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team, which will compete in the USA in February 2024.
As a gymnast from a small club, Rosa has faced challenges without a peer group to benchmark her progress, but her results this year have boosted her confidence and motivation. She also coaches the youngest competitive gymnasts at her local Queenstown club, giving back to the sport she loves.
For Rosa, being part of the Te Iti Kahuraki programme will allow her to raise awareness about gymnastics and her Queenstown gym. It will also support her parents, who have dedicated countless hours and resources to her training. Rosa hopes to use the sponsorship funds to help cover the cost of her uniform for representing New Zealand at the upcoming competition in the USA.
MICAH
SNOWBOARDING
Micah is a promising young freeride snowboarder with just three seasons of experience. In 2024, he placed 3rd in the Junior Freeride World Tour New Zealand and 4th in the Europe-Oceania competition. His achievements include:
- 1st place in Schools Alpine Dual Slalom and Giant Slalom U14
- 3rd place in Cardrona NZ Freestyle Nationals BoarderCross U14
- 2nd place in Remarks Mini Shred
In January 2025, Micah will attend Wy’East Academy at Mount Hood, Oregon, for a prestigious 10-week programme offering world-class coaching in diverse terrain to enhance his skills.
For Micah and his family, Te Iti Kahuraki represents more than just financial support—it’s a recognition of his dedication to becoming the first Samoan professional snowboarder. The programme’s support will ease training and competition costs, while exposure through Shotover Jet’s platforms will help grow his personal brand, ‘Micah Raccoon’.
Micah’s journey aligns with the values of Manaakitanga, Rangatiratanga, Tohungatanga, and Kaitiakitanga, offering him a supportive network to help him grow as both an athlete and an individual.
