Recently graduated and now walking the length of New Zealand for charity, tell us what led to your decision to complete the Te Araroa Trail?
I first found out about the trail this time last year, whilst deciding on my next steps out of university. After four years of study and narrowly missing the opportunity to become an Air Force Pilot, I thought it would be a good way to blow off some steam. What cemented my decision was doing it for charity. I came to realise that I’ve had the amazing opportunity to obtain a degree, and I now want to help give someone else the opportunity to aim high. Thus why I decided to support Full Bellies. It’s unfortunate that kids face unnecessary barriers such as hunger, that as kids they have no control over. Yet one of them could be our future Prime Minister, an All Black, a highly-meticulous builder, or an inspirational speaker!
What has been biggest challenge while hiking this trail and what has surprised you the most?
Through meeting fellow hikers it seems everyone has their own struggle on the trail, whether it be mental toughness, injuries, sickness or fitness. Mine has been injury. Two days in I injured a tendon, forcing me to go home and rest up for a few weeks. It was hard to pull out that early on, as this trail was a big aspiration of mine. Taking the disappointment on the chin however, meant I didn’t do too much tendon damage, eventually getting back on trail. The injuries haven’t stopped, but I’ve been able to manage them better.
The biggest surprise has been the outreach of the general public! From generous donations, to offering me a bed or meal for the night, to being genuinely interested in what I’m doing as I pass through town with my pack on. Also, how untouched much of the country is! I went seven days without seeing a single person or sign of civilisation, that was an interesting one.
After you've completed the 3,000km hike, what's next on the cards for you?
First things first will be a long hot shower and a proper homemade meal! Going forward I’ll look to seek employment with my engineering degree. Get a few years of professional experience under my belt whilst looking for the next big challenge, whatever that may be! I’ll also continue with the Army Reserves.
What led to your decision to come to UC and complete a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering?
Growing up I was interested in all things motorbikes, cars, how things worked etc. It all seemed somewhat natural. On the other hand, aircraft and the art of flight fascinated me, and still does! So going to study engineering seemed very fitting. UC stood out to me for its renown engineering faculty, knowing that I’d come out with a world-class degree.
What goals do you hope to achieve in the next five years?
In terms of my career, I’ll look to take every opportunity, get some solid experience, eventually giving the Air Force another crack. One day I’d like to use my degree to help in a third world country. But my biggest goal would be to start a movement/initiative to give others opportunity - what that is, I’m not sure yet. I’ll also look to keep challenging myself and using it to create awareness. This walk has shown me the great things the human body is capable of.
If you could give yourself/ other students any advice before coming to uni, what would it be
I’ve got three points that have stemmed from this walk, that in my opinion can relate to everyday life.
1. On my walk, I’m only falling over if my stride is too big, it’s physics. But with a big stride I’m covering a lot of ground, going fast, achieving two days worth of walking in one. So working towards a goal you are bound to fall, but it’s a sign you’re taking great strides, putting in a remarkable effort.
2. Use negativity as a fuel. On my walk there can be gale force winds with horizontal rain, and it honestly sucks. But I can use that as a reason to push on, not stop, and get to the next hut as soon as I can. So if you didn’t get the grades you wanted, you missed out on that job position, you lost that important sports game, use that negativity to improve and motivate yourself to press on. Use it as a fuel to work harder for those grades, the goal, the opportunity, the success.
3. Lastly, look to give to someone else. It doesn’t have to be financially, it could be with time or compassion. Give that person a compliment, shout them lunch, give them an ear to talk to, volunteer an hour at the foodbank. It may not change the world but it will change someone’s world.
Follow Matt's journey on instagram: @mattstrek_
