Media Release: 16th October
Project K alumnus Jamal Krone will have another opportunity to challenge himself, grow his confidence and develop his leadership after being awarded a scholarship to take part in a Spirit of Adventure voyage.
Jamal completed Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Project K programme at Papakura High School in 2024. The scholarship has been made possible through Shaw and Partners Financial Services, a supporter of Graeme Dingle Foundation that also has a partnership with Spirit of Adventure.
The opportunity is a natural next step for a Project K graduate, with Project K and Spirit of Adventure sharing a strong belief in the power of challenge, experience and connection to help young people discover what they are capable of.
Project K is a 14-month youth development programme for Year 10 students, combining a wilderness adventure, community challenge and an individual mentoring partnership with a trained mentor.
The programme aims to build confidence and life skills, strengthen relationships, encourage positive attitudes towards health and education, and help rangatahi develop the belief that they can overcome obstacles.
Spirit of Adventure similarly uses challenge and adventure as a vehicle for youth development. Its voyages aboard Spirit of New Zealand focus on developing confidence, communication, teamwork, leadership, self-reliance and resilience, while creating opportunities for young people to form new connections and step outside their comfort zones.
For Tamara Elliot, Graeme Dingle Foundation Northern Programme Manager, Jamal’s scholarship demonstrates how different youth development experiences can build on one another at important stages in a young person’s life.
“Project K is about building confidence and resilience through outdoor experiences where rangatahi have to problem-solve, work as a team and step outside their comfort zone. Spirit of Adventure shares much of that same approach, which makes it an incredibly fitting opportunity for Jamal.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Jamal continue his journey and grateful to Shaw and Partners Financial Services and Spirit of Adventure for giving one of our rangatahi this opportunity.”
The scholarship reflects Shaw and Partners Financial Services commitment to supporting opportunities that help young people build confidence, leadership and skills for the future. Jason Watson, Head of Advice for Shaw and Partners said, “We have had a long association with Spirit of Adventure Trust, so when the opportunity was presented to provide something back for young people, we jumped at the chance. It is great to be able to support the great work the Graeme Dingle Foundation do”.
Graeme Dingle Foundation has long advocated for the importance of outdoor and experiential education as part of young people’s development.
In its submission on proposed changes to national qualifications, the Foundation highlighted the role outdoor education can play in supporting the holistic development of young people, including building resilience, self-efficacy, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills.
The Foundation also emphasised the importance of experiences that prepare young people not only academically, but with the skills and confidence to navigate challenges throughout their lives.
That philosophy is embedded in Project K, beginning with its wilderness adventure and continuing through community involvement and a long-term mentoring relationship.
For Jamal, the Spirit of Adventure scholarship provides an opportunity to build on that foundation in a completely new environment.
“Project K showed me that I can push myself further than I think. Spirit of Adventure feels like another chance to do that, meet new people and take on something completely different. I’m really excited and grateful to have the opportunity.”
Photo: Jamal Krone at the Graeme Dingle Foundation 2025 National Excellence Awards
Chantelle Harper, Spirit of Adventure CEO said “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to work with our supporters Shaw and Partners Financial Services and the Graeme Dingle team. We are passionate about improving outcomes for our young people and know the power of the ocean creates a unique learning environment. We are looking forward to welcoming Jamal onboard and know that he will step off the ship, better for the experience.
The Graeme Dingle Foundation is grateful for the support of organisations that invest in opportunities for young people beyond the completion of its programmes.
Jamal will take part in a 10 day development Voyage aboard Spirit of New Zealand from November.
ENDS
For further information please contact Alex Farac– Graeme Dingle Foundation Marketing Manager: alex.farac@dinglefoundation.org.nz
About the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Project K
Project K is a 14-month programme designed for Year 10 students and consists of three stages: a wilderness adventure, community project and an individual mentoring partnership with a trained mentor.
Project K focuses on building confidence, teaching life skills, promoting good health and relationships, and encouraging a positive attitude. It aims to give rangatahi belief in their ability to complete tasks and achieve goals, while helping them find purpose and direction.
About Shaw and Partners Financial Services
Shaw and Partners Financial Services is an investment and wealth management firm focused on helping individuals, families, and institutions build, manage and preserve wealth. Combining personalised advice with deep investment expertise, Shaw and Partners takes a disciplined, long-term approach to wealth management, founded on trust, integrity and strong client relationships. The firm is backed by the global resources and expertise of Shaw and Partners Financial Services in Australia and EFG International, a Swiss private banking group, providing clients with access to world-class investment insights and opportunities.
About Spirit of Adventure
Spirit of Adventure Trust is a New Zealand youth development organisation providing voyages aboard the Spirit of New Zealand. Its programmes use the challenge of the sea to support the development of teamwork, communication, self-leadership, self-reliance, resilience, confidence and leadership. Their signature 10-Day Voyages are for 16-19 year olds, where Rangatahi are given equal opportunity to learn and develop in the unique ocean environment.