Fourteen Western Bay of Plenty and Whakatāne students have been recognised by the Acorn Foundation after receiving Outward Bound scholarships.

The scholarships, awarded for the 10th consecutive year, support young people who demonstrate leadership potential, service to others and financial need.

It allows students to take part in Outward Bound New Zealand’s renowned outdoor education programmes, a media release from the Acorn Foundation said.

Recipients travelled to Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds in May, and completed a three-week Tangaroa Watch course, designed to challenge and build resilience, confidence and teamwork skills.

Fourteen students were honoured from seven secondary schools across the Western Bay of Plenty, plus Whakatāne.

This year’s recipients were from Tauranga Boys’ College, Tauranga Girls’ College, Ōtūmoetai College, Pāpāmoa College, Te Puke High School, Katikati College and Whakatāne High School.

Acorn Foundation chief executive Lori Luke thanked donors and community partners for helping make the scholarships possible.

She encouraged recipients to use their experience to give back to their communities.

Outward Bound works with local schools to identify suitable candidates for the programme.

2026 Outward Bound scholarship recipients:

Katikati College: Emma Turton and Liana Bluegum

Ōtūmoetai College: Maonga Harrison and Ember Carroll

Pāpāmoa College: Maddison Welch and Ethan Roberts

Tauranga Boys’ College: Stormy-Jaye Taikato-Elder and Te Kaha Brears

Tauranga Girls’ College: Georgia Milner and Juanita Adams

Te Puke High School: Jamie Chamberlain and Jeremaia Pirere

Whakatāne High School: Alisha Olsen and Ethan Robison