How to apply
Application process
We are committed to helping as many people as possible experience hope, connection, and adventure on their own terms, through our two programme streams:
Te Ako Whaiaro | Self-Directed Programmes can be accessed by anyone at any time. There’s no formal application required for these programmes — all you need to do is sign up using the links below:
Sign up for our free Resource Library
Enrol in our Wellbeing Programme
Te Ako Ngātahi | Learning Together Programmes are group-based and run each year. This stream includes in the Online Community Programme for anyone with a neurological condition, and In-Person Community Rehabilitation Programme for people with MS or FND. To access these programmes, you need to complete the application process outlined below.
Te Ako Ngātahi | Learning Together
Applying for our group programmes
1. Create an account
To start the process, create a free Mastering Mountains account. You can do this by signing up for our Resource Library.
Access our resource library, providing you with tools and strategies for managing your health condition, living well, increasing your resilience, and taking concrete steps toward achieving your goals. The Resource Library is ideal for anyone looking for answers to specific questions.
2. Complete the Hope course
Our free course, Navigating Towards Hope, draws on an evidence-based psychological framework to help you identify a meaningful goal, strengthen your sense of agency, and cultivate hope through purpose and connection.
The course provides an introduction to the principles and approaches that underpin all of our programmes and resources, giving you a taste of what it's like to work with Mastering Mountains. It also helps us better understand your goals, aspirations, and current circumstances, and enables us to determine how we can best support your journey.
Please note: You can complete this step at any time of the year.
3. Complete a short application form
From 1 August to 30 November each year, we accept applications for our group programmes. Once you have completed the Navigating Towards Hope course, you’ll need to submit your application by 30 November.
The application form asks for a few additional details.
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We will ask you for:
Your contact details
An emergency contact
Your current level of mobility
Whether you hold a Community Services Card
A fundraising target
A letter of recommendation from a friend, family member, or other supporter
We will keep all this information confidential.
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We aim to provide free access to our programmes for as many people as possible, but our resources are limited and demand for our services is greater than our funding allows.
To help ensure equitable access, we prioritise financial support for those who would otherwise face barriers to participation. The level of subsidy offered is determined on an individual basis by our Board of Trustees. For many participants, this will mean free access to a programme. For others, it may mean they are invited to make a small contribution.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that cost is not a barrier for those who would benefit most from our support.
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As part of the application process, we ask applicants to set a personal fundraising goal and commit to making a genuine effort to achieve it. While every situation is different, we generally encourage participants to aim for a fundraising target of at least $1,500.
Fundraising plays an important role in helping Mastering Mountains continue supporting people into the future. As a charitable trust, we rely on the generosity of our community to make our programmes possible. By fundraising, you're not only investing in your own journey—you’re helping create opportunities for future participants to access the same support. It also allows you to invite your wider community to become part of your journey. We will provide guidance, resources, and encouragement to support your fundraising efforts every step of the way.
4. We assess your application
During December, our Board of Trustees carefully reviews all applications and allocates places based on the funding available for the coming year.
As demand for our programmes often exceeds our capacity, we use a set of selection criteria to ensure our programmes are the best fit for those who apply. You’ll find these criteria below:
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At the heart of our work is the belief that spending time engaging in physical activity outdoors can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing.
Outdoor activity does not need to be extreme or take place in remote locations. Walking in your local park, if meaningful, is a worthy goal.
We like to see goals that encourage participation in outdoor and natural environments, and create opportunities for growth, learning, wellbeing, and connection with the natural world.
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We believe that supportive relationships are essential for long-term wellbeing.
We therefore give preference to applications that foster connection with others and create opportunities to strengthen relationships with family, friends, peers, and the wider community.
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We are committed to supporting meaningful, lasting change.
We look for goals that have the potential to help participants build confidence and capability, strengthen their sense of identity and purpose, and create positive changes that extend beyond the programme itself.
In addition to these criteria, we also consider factors such as financial need, location, readiness to engage with the programme, and the overall fit between an applicant's goals and the support we provide.
5. We get back to you
Once we’ve completed our selection, we will get in touch to offer you a place on one of our programmes. Unfortunately, we can’t always offer people a place on the programme they have applied for. If this is the case for you, please know you will still have a place at Mastering Mountains, whether that’s in our self-directed programmes or our Community Programme.
Please note:
At this time, our In-Person Community Rehabilitation Programme is available only in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Participants must have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis or Functional Neurological Disorder.
All applications for our group programmes from outside Canterbury, or with other neurological conditions, will be considered for the Community Programme.
Frequently asked questions
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We are looking for determined individuals with an achievable outdoor goal and the motivation to develop greater mobility and social connection through a healthy lifestyle and outdoor activity.
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Choose an activity that genuinely excites and motivates you.
We love to see walking, hiking, cycling, climbing or kayaking goals that challenge an applicant (requiring them to train), but are attainable. We don’t look for hardcore; we look for achievable. For some, this might look like a multi-day hike, but for others, this might look like a walk around Hagley Park.
When we consider an application, we prefer applications that strengthen connections to community, for the benefit of both the individual applicant and their community or family. If possible, consider activities that make it easy to include others.