The Road to Disney World

In early 2026, Year 14 Dreamer and proud graduate of Tikipunga High School, Kaian Burt, will step onto the world stage, having earned a coveted place in the Disney Cultural Exchange Programme at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers Kaian the chance to grow personally and professionally, connecting with people from around the globe while representing Aotearoa with pride.

The Programme offers hands-on experience in guest-facing roles across Disney Parks and Resorts and the opportunity to learn from Disney leaders, meet people from around the world, and become part of a vibrant international community of young professionals. Outside of work, participants have the opportunity to play sport, join dance parties with Disney characters, and volunteer in the local community, making it a truly immersive and enriching experience.

Kaian’s journey has been shaped by the support of many. He was a valued member of the school’s Kapa Haka group, was one of the first students to represent Aotearoa at the Shanghai International Youth Friendship Camp, , and in 2024 he took part in the Services Academy under the guidance of Kaha Cassidy. Delivered nationwide in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force, the Academy supports priority students by strengthening NCEA achievement and building leadership and life skills. Kaian was recognised as the Academy’s top student and proudly led the national graduation march.

Along with the support of many teachers at Tikipunga High School, Kaian credits Whaea Rina and the Careers team for guiding him toward further study at the International Tourism College at Te Pūkenga in Whangārei. With their support, he enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism (Level 3). After completing his studies, he applied for the Disney programme, one of several international pathways offered through the college, and he recently learned that he was accepted.

Kaian said this opportunity will give him the chance to see what life is like outside of Aotearoa. “This opportunity will help me grow and take me out of my comfort zone,” Kaian said. “It’s so small here in New Zealand. I feel like I need to take that step and see the bigger world and what else I can learn.”

Many teachers at Tikipunga High School along with I Have a Dream contributed to Kaian pulling together his deposit for the Disney World opportunity, collectively ensuring that financial barriers wouldn’t stand. Kaian is now focused on raising the final funds for his trip to cover flights and living costs. He’ll be working through the summer and busking alongside his father, Piripi, a former Navigator with I Have a Dream.

Realising he can’t take this journey alone, Kaian launched a Givealittle campaign and is inviting the community to help him reach his goal to get to Florida.

Reflecting on his time at Tikipunga High School, Kaian speaks warmly about the teachers who encouraged him to try new things, to keep growing beyond the classroom. “The teachers always went out of their way to help us and make us grow,” he said. “They wanted us to always be improving.”

He said he also learned many life lessons from the Navigators at I Have a Dream. He especially remembers the steady support of Izaak Birch, who was always there for him and his friends – offering encouragement, guidance, and a dependable presence they could always count on.

Kaian is committed to returning to Aotearoa with new skills and insights, ready to give back to those who have uplifted him, and to inspire the younger tamariki who will follow in his footsteps.

Let’s help Kaian take this final step. Donate to Kaian’s Givealittle page via the button below and be part of his journey to Disney.