Past participants include people with arthritis, early onset multiple sclerosis, joint replacements, back injuries and amputations.
MS: Busting the Myths
Mastering Mountains Expedition Programme
Esme Tombleson was the co-founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New Zealand in 1961 and from 1975 was President for many years. She was also founder and president for many years of the Gisborne branch and on the International Federation of the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s executive. In 1987 she received the rarely awarded gold medal for distinguished services to Multiple Sclerosis.
In honour of her work, the MS Society of NZ presents the Esme Tombleson Award annually to anyone who has made a significant contribution, nationally, to MSNZ and people impacted by multiple sclerosis. Recipients are announced at the Societies AGM. The nominations for this award are submitted through the Regional Societies and coordinated through MSNZ.
Application Deadline: 31st October annually
Application Criteria: Download the Esme Tombleson Criteria
Application Form: Esme Tombleson Award Application Online Form
Past Recipients: Esme Tombleson Person with MS Past Recipients
The Dorothy L Newman Scholarship assists people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are unable to continue in their current job and require retraining or upskilling to enhance their chances of securing paid employment. Successful applicants will be eligible for a financial contribution payable for their course fees with the amount awarded at the discretion of the Selection Panel. The Scholarship is co-funded by Multiple Sclerosis NZ (MSNZ) and the Dorothy L Newman Trust.
Applicants will be required to state in their application the reasons why they chose their course of study, how they intend to use their qualification on successful completion of their course and the likelihood of employment following the course.
Application Deadline: 31st October annually. Applicants will be notified of the decision by the end of November.
Application Criteria: Dorothy L Newman Scholarship Criteria
Application Form: Dorothy Newman Scholarship Application Online Form
Past Recipients: Dorothy L Newman Scholarship Recipients
Mastering Mountains offers rehabilitation support and mentoring to people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) or similar neurological conditions to help them overcome a specific obstacle so they can accomplish a self-directed objective in New Zealand’s outdoors.
There are two programmes that people can apply for:
1. Mastering Mountains Programme for single-day outdoor goals.
2. Mastering Mountains Expedition Programme for multi-day outdoor adventures that involve at least one other person.
Successful applicants are motivated individuals with an achievable outdoor goal that will improve mobility, encourage a healthy lifestyle, and strengthen their connection to community. In their programme, these people receive rehabilitation support (neuro-physio or personal trainer), outdoor gear and equipment, and mentoring, all aimed at helping them achieve their goal within a year of their application.
Each person’s programme package is individualised at the discretion of the Selection Panel. Previous packages have included up to $2,900 in rehabilitation support, gear worth $1,000, and mentoring services valued at $3,100 for a total of up to $7,000. Read more about past programme recipients.
Applications are open to New Zealand residents with a neurological diagnosis and are received annually between the 1st of April and the 31st of May. Read more here.
Please note: due to funding constraints, we are only able to offer ONE space on our 2025 programmes.
This programme is for people who wish to accomplish a self-directed, single-day outdoor objective. Successful recipients receive:
Examples of outdoor objectives and costs that would qualify for this programme:
Mastering Mountains Past Recipients and Read about past recipients here.
This programme is a supplement for people planning a self-directed, multi-day adventure (longer than two days) with at least one other person. Successful recipients receive:
o Free access to our mentoring service for up to one year.
o Funded rehabilitation (the primary focus of the programme).
o Contribution toward personal equipment or gear costs.
o Contribution toward group gear costs.
Up to $200 of additional funding per day for up to five days, depending on the number of people and the costs involved: our contribution to transportation, food and accommodation costs.
Examples of outdoor objectives and costs that would qualify for this programme:
For FAQS and additional information about these programmes, please visit Mastering Mountains.
Activate is an adapted course to enable those aged 18+ with a physical disability to experience the challenge and adventure of an Outward Bound course. It is an opportunity to show yourself what you are truly capable of achieving. Break your preconceptions of your physical limitations and test your boundaries.
PROGRAMME
During your 8 day course you’ll build the confidence to challenge yourself, a philosophy you can then transfer into everyday life. Return home with the courage and determination to achieve whatever goals you set for yourself.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
All participants must be:
Wheelchair users must:
NB: Due to technical equipment requirements, the course can take a maximum of two wheelchair users, two participants using crutches/frames and one participant who is blind or visually impaired.
Participants could include those with both congenital and acquired physical disabilities e.g. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, amputations, arthritis.
More Information
For more information see: https://www.outwardbound.co.nz/courses/activate/ or to apply, email: adapted@outwardbound.co.nz or phone: 0800 688 927.
PARTICIPANTS WILL EXPERIENCE:
PARTICIPANTS WILL GAIN:
THE COURSE INCLUDES
Participants will need to pay for their own medical and travel costs.
All participants must be:
Wheelchair users:
NB: Due to technical equipment requirements, the course can take a maximum of two wheelchair users, two participants using crutches/frames and one participant who is visually impaired.
Participants could include those with both congenital and acquired physical disabilities e.g. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, amputations, arthritis.
An 8-day course for teens aged 13-16 years (at High School) with a physical disability, and their parent or caregiver. The maximum group of seven pairs will learn about themselves and each other in a supportive environment. You and your teen will develop trust and respect and a more meaningful relationship. Experience working in partnership as part of a wider team.
The course will have three fully qualified instructors and will operate within the standard safety policy of Outward Bound. Student wellbeing is our priority.
Students will have shared accommodation in their watch-house but separate (male/female) bathrooms while in the school.
We require all participants at Outward Bound to complete a medical, which is valid for three months from the date of the doctor visit and must be valid for the duration of the course.
Leaps & Bounds is the ultimate bonding experience. You’ll learn more about each other and your relationship, as you problem-solve and overcome challenges together.
Key outcomes include:
All participants must be:
Disabled participants must:
Caregivers/parents must be:
Wheelchair users must be:
NB: Due to technical equipment requirements, the course can take a maximum of two wheelchair users, two participants using crutches/frames and one participant who is blind or visually impaired. Participants could include those with both congenital and acquired physical disabilities eg. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, amputations, arthritis.
Please contact Leonie King, Outward Bound to book.
You’ll take on eight days of outdoor adventure together, spending your time at the school in Anakiwa, and out amongst the bush, mountains and waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Activities can include tramping, camping, sea journeys, water challenges, and height activities. Not only will you be working with each other, you’ll team up alongside up to six other caregiver & teen duos and two expert instructors, all bringing their own mix of stories and personalities!
Leaps & Bounds is the ultimate bonding experience. You’ll learn more about each other and your relationship, as you problem solve and over come challenges together.
Key outcomes include:
Email info@outwardbound.co.nz for more information or call 0800 688 927
The course is designed for individuals with a mild physical condition or physical ‘niggles’. That might include but is not limited to arthritis, early-onset multiple sclerosis, joint replacements, back and knee injuries and amputations.
Just like any other Outward Bound course, you will experience activities like sailing, rock climbing, kayaking and high ropes, but Aspire is designed to exclude high impact activities such as running or carrying a heavy tramping pack.
You are best suited to Discovery Low Impact if you:
More Information
For more information or to apply, email info@outwardbound.co.nz or phone 0800 688 927.
“When you have lead a very active life and suddenly lose some of your physical strength it is a great loss of confidence, but the Aspire course gives you the tools to take charge of your life again and know that anything may be possible.” Annette
“I have taken away a stronger belief in my abilities and greater determination to achieve in my chosen career.” Samuel Tate