Te Iti Kahuraki Athlete Programme:
By Shotover Jet Business Manager Donald Boyer
Shotover Jet is proud to support young local sporting talent through its Te Iti Kahuraki Athlete Programme. Now in its fourth year, the programme continues to uplift rangatahi from the Queenstown Lakes region, helping them pursue their dreams both on and off the field.
Inspired by the whakataukī, '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' – the programme encourages our local tamariki to aim high, stay motivated, and remain undeterred by obstacles.
“From the very beginning, being selected for the programme gave Jake a sense of belief in his potential. It’s been incredibly motivating to know that an organisation like Shotover Jet sees value in supporting local athletes and giving back to the community,” says Samantha, mother of Jake (Te Iti Kahuraki Athlete, 2024).
Sponsorship Package (valued up to $3,000):
- $1,000 contribution toward sporting costs
- 6x Shotover Jet passes for fundraising purposes
- Rides for sponsored athletes + whānau discounts
- Shotover Jet merchandise package
- Social media exposure on Shotover Jet platforms
- Social media skills workshop
- Professional photography package
Applications close Sunday 16 November 2025. Applicants must be aged 5–17, live in the Queenstown Lakes District, and attend a local school. Applications are open to all sporting and performing arts disciplines. To apply, visit www.shotoverjet.com/athlete or email reservations@shotoverjet.com for more information.
About Shotover Jet and Ngāi Tahu Tourism
Shotover Jet is one of nine world-class tourism experiences owned and operated by Ngāi Tahu Toruism.
Known as the world’s most exciting jet boat ride, Shotover Jet has thrilled over 4.6 million visitors since it began 60 years ago, in 1965.
Shotover Jet operates on an exclusive area of the Kimiākau/Shotover River and is the only company permitted to operate within its spectacular canyons, carved out over the ages by a vast volume of fast flowing water.
Other Ngāi Tahu Tourism experiences include the Hollyford Wilderness Experience, Dart River Adventures, Dark Sky Project, Franz Josef Glacier Guides, Hukafalls Jet, Agrodome, the National Kiwi Hatchery, and the All Blacks Experience.
Ngāi Tahu ancestors were the guides for many of the first European explorers. Through tourism, the iwi hosts manuhiri, reconnects with te taiao, and provides lasting memories for manuhiri.
