Our vision
We exist to bring hope to the lives of people affected by Multiple Sclerosis, Functional Neurological Disorder and similar conditions by helping them get outdoors.
“E tūtakitaki ana ngā kapua o te rangi, kei runga te Māngrōa e kopae pū ana.
Though clouds may block the sky, the Milky Way is still behind it. Even the longest road has a turning, even the longest night has a morning. ”
This whakataukī speaks to us of hope. Sometimes, the clouds of chronic illness build like mountains, casting a deep and long shadow. Although the presence of the Milky Way does not cause the clouds to clear, the promise of the night sky, a turning in the road, or the first hints of dawn provide us with perspective. Clouds pass while the wonder of the Milky Way remains; the darkness of the night always gives way to the beauty of dawn. At Mastering Mountains, our purpose is to help people see beyond the clouds or the darkness and gain inspiration for their journey as they master whatever mountain they face.
More than anything, we want people to experience hope after receiving the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) or similar neurological conditions. We believe outdoor adventure uniquely and powerfully enables positive, life-long change, connection to community and the development of hope: an enriched life.
2022 Programme participant, David Kyle (second from right) at the Karapoti Classic mountain bike race. Photo by Andrew Turner
Three pillars characterise our approach to empowering people through our programmes:
Enabling Change
Neurological conditions can create many barriers to getting outdoors. We use mentoring and physical rehabilitation to give people the tools, strategies and gear they need to overcome these obstacles and sustain long-term access to the outdoors. Their adventure facilitates this values-based learning process, from which we hope people can confidently enjoy the outdoors for many years.
Strengthening Connection
People with neurological diagnosis often feel socially isolated and struggle to find or participate in community. Developing a neurological condition can significantly alter a person's connection to their community, fracturing support networks through physical limitations and society's lack of understanding. We help people strengthen their connection to the community through outdoor participation and encourage adventures that will enable them to forge stronger bonds with those around them. Through the widening Mastering Mountains community, we also provide regular opportunities to connect with others who love the outdoors despite their neurological conditio
Developing Hope
We believe that outdoor adventures are a powerful tool for developing hope. Not only do outdoor experiences increase self-efficacy, enable change and strengthen connection to community, but they also give people a sense of accomplishment and progression toward a valued goal or objective. Beyond this, we aim to foster hope in people newly diagnosed with a neurological condition by presenting them with role models who have overcome the obstacles they face to live active and meaningful lives outdoors.
These goals also contribute to reducing the significant social and economic cost of neurological conditions to New Zealand’s communities, while promoting a wider kōrero around what’s possible after a neurological diagnosis.
“Hope may be fostered through identifying valued and personally meaningful goals, defining them in clear measurable terms, and identifying multiple potential avenues through which goals can be attained.”
Our approach is intensive. We invest substantially and prudently into people, and as a consequence, we significantly impact people's lives and those around them for the better. We've positively impacted the lives of programme participants and inspired communities since 2015.
Support Us
Mastering Mountains is a charitable trust. We rely on donations to support and mentor people in New Zealand with Multiple Sclerosis and Functional Neurological Disorder. Your support will help us reach more people, changing their lives for good.
“Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.”