Life Lessons Learned at Sea Lead to Better Decisions: Voyage #946 Scholarship Recipients
We are proud to support the Spirit of Adventure Trust and are committed to giving the next generation confidence to reach their full potential through life lessons learned at sea. We believe this lifechanging experience should be available to as many young people as possible, so we remove a major barrier to entry by funding ten scholarships for the 10 Day Development Voyage every year.
From Wednesday 24 June to Saturday 4 July 2026, two Aon scholarship recipients will set sail on voyage #946 from Princess Wharf in Auckland’s viaduct. Applications for this scholarship closed on 31 March and we were inspired by the number of nominations received by young people ready to challenge themselves, grow their confidence and bring those skills back to their whānau, schools and communities.
Growing confidence and resilience in young people
The 10‑Day Development Voyage is a structured programme that helps young people:
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Build confidence and resilience by stepping out of their comfort zone
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Develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills through shared challenges and experiences
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Learn how to make better decisions under pressure – from navigating the ship and new friendships to navigating life after the voyage.
Applications came from right across the motu, underscoring the demand for experiences that support rangatahi to thrive – regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances.
Spirit partners like Aon are helping young people get onboard for a lifechanging adventures.
For Voyage #946 and future voyages, Aon’s support enables:
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Ten fully funded places for young people who may otherwise miss out due to financial barriers.
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Access to a proven development programme that for over 50 years builds confidence, resilience and decision‑making skills.
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Opportunities to connect with other young kiwis from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures from communities across Aotearoa, building networks and friendships that last well beyond the voyage.
Our aim is simple: to help more young people experience the kind of learning that happens when you are off your phone, on the ocean, and part of a crew working together.
A partnership built on Better Decisions
Life at sea demands decisions – big and small – every day. From reading the weather to working as a team on deck, young people on Spirit of New Zealand are constantly practicing how to assess risk, adapt to changing conditions and back themselves.
When young people are better equipped to make good decisions, the communities and businesses they become part of are stronger too. That’s why Aon is proud to support Spirit of Adventure Trust – helping create life lessons at sea that lead to better decisions across Aotearoa.
Discover more about our partnership with Spirit of Adventure Trust, including how and when to apply for future scholarship voyages.
Explore our national sponsorship partners in Aotearoa, and how together we’re helping to build safer, more resilient communities