KIA MAU, KIA ORA! – Running 2000+km to support Kiwi kids into embracing their potential and dream careers

"Just stay out of jail".

That's what Dr Inia Raumati's headmaster said to him as he was leaving high school, looking for direction as a young man. Never mind that he was one of the brightest kids in his year – he just wasn't given a chance. Good thing Inia forged his own path and found his way, but many kids don't.

Dr Inia Raumati is now a senior emergency doctor at Auckland City Hospital. In his spare time he runs ultramarathons.

In 2014 Inia became the first (and only) Kiwi to complete the 4Deserts Grand Slam, running a 250km self-supported ultra in the Sahara, Gobi, Atacama, and Antarctica deserts in 1 year.

In 2024 Inia is hoping to be the first person in the world to complete a self-supported race on every continent in 1 year. Each race is about 250km, and he will be running at least 2000km this year; carrying everything he needs for these missions on his back. We hope that we are able to raise $10 per km, amounting to $20,000 to support our future athletes. Funds raised will only be used for the scholarship.

With Kia Mau, Kia Ora!, we want to give kids like Inia a chance. We will train them and support them into running a multi-stage self-supported ultramarathon as part of a team, and support them into their chosen careers.

We would appreciate any and all contributions, and if you are able to help in other ways, we are looking for:

- Shoe/equipment sponsors

- Future mentors in your fields of work

- Training groups

- People to spread the word