Mountain Spirit Institute needs your support. The "passion and spark of inspiration" that led the founder to create Mountain Spirit Institute, stems from a deep understanding of how being in nature, different environments and experiential learning can do much good for individuals our communities.

Through a number of years of preparation, MSI is coming to fruition. The Board of Directors believes we have much to offer, with a unique approach to experiential spiritually based education in a natural setting with a variety of programs. It will take more effort and time but most importantly, funding.

Mountain Spirit Institute’s Contribution and Needs

The Need in Our Communities -The current situation

  • Kiwis of all ages are facing an increasingly stressful lifestyle
  • The use of alcohol and drugs, is a serious problem in New Zealand society.
  • There is a disconnect with the natural environment due to technological advances.
  • Our way of life is taken for granted. Global warming and the peaking of world oil reserves dictate that we rethink and start practising sustainable and holistic living practices.
  • Mainstream media does not cover significant and important resources on which our mission focuses, which MSI can play a part, by providing through our lecture-film series and web resources.
  • Mental health statistics reveal that teen, and adult violence, stress, depression and suicide have risen dramatically. Physical health problems are also prevalent.

Addressing the Need: What MSI is accomplishing

  • Continue to offer quality safe experiential programs in a variety of settings such as, seminars, workshops, outdoor programs.
  • Provide resources such as a website and materials that further the mission statement.
  • Collaborate with existing qualified individuals and organizations and schools in local communities.
  • Providing scholarships for MSI and Outward Bound programs.
  • Provide donations for selected community projects.
  • Serve teens & adults in the community.

MSI Financial Needs

  • Insurance Funds: Enables us to conduct programs and operate with insurance.
  • Marketing: Allows us to promote our programs.
  • Scholarship Fund: Allows MSI to award scholarships for Outward Bound
    (through Sunapee High School) and MSI programs.
  • General Operating: Provides funds for office operations, postage, web, phone.
  • Equipment: Provides needed program equipment such as tents, stoves,
    first-aid, & leadership equipment, teaching materials.
  • Community Outreach: Allows MSI to give back to the community by donating back to certain key appropriate community needs.
  • Fundraising Capital: Allows MSI to move forward with a number of fundraising campaigns such as Endowment, General Annual Fund and
    grant writing.
  • Program Funding: Provides needed funding for operating programs.
    Permits for Forest Service: Enables us to conduct programs on DOC and National Park lands.

How you can support Mountain Spirit Institute

You may contribute financially through planned giving, contributing to our annual fund, by sending a donation check by mail to:

Mountain Spirit New Zealand
12 Albany Road
Ponsonby 1011, Auckland

or click on the button below to make an online donation:

If you are a foundation, organization or individual who would like the opportunity to contribute at a sponsor level and would like details about our business plan, please download our case presentation below.


All donations to Mountain Spirit Institute will be tax deductible.
MSI is an Educational Nonprofit Organization.

Development Contacts:
Dexter R Richards, Founder

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PHOTO CREDIT: Mount Kearsarge top image from Joya Owl Woman Clark.