Core Competencies
In 2023, Korowai Tupu updated to ten Core Competencies for Youth Work to reflect Mana Taiohi. Developed through sector-wide agreement, this first iteration was grounded in the principles of Aotearoa's Youth Development Strategy. These competencies have since informed qualifications development and continue to shape positive youth development in Aotearoa, with a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Based on sector feedback, we require members of Korowai Tupu to demonstrate core
competencies. We assess their youth development experience, qualifications, and
practice. Our assessors review all ten competencies, gathering evidence of the
applicant’s understanding and skills.
The Core Competencies of Youth Work
1 / Demonstrates An Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Including bicultural partnerships and the values and aspirations of iwi Māori and non-Māori
2 / Whakamana Taiohi
Works in a strengths-based approach to whakamana taiohi –demonstrates their understanding of working from a strengths-based approach; to build on strength, respond to need and foster growth
3 / Acknowledging Mauri
Demonstrates understanding of the context of young people in Aotearoa
4 / Whakapapa: Ko Wai Au, Ko Wai Koe, Ko Wai Tātou
Demonstrates the importance of supporting the development of identity in young people
5 / Te Ao: The World We Are In
Demonstrates understanding of the context of youth work – the history, role, and practice of youth work
6 / Explores Hononga
Identifying and strengthening connectedness – to build, strengthen or restore a young person’s connectedness to their key social environments
7 / Prioritise Whanaungatanga
Demonstrates their understanding of building quality relationships, creating a supportive environment, connecting and working inclusively with young people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
8 / Upholds and Extends Manaakitanga
Caring for young people, ensuring their holistic safety and demonstrating their understanding of ensuring the safety and well-being of young people
9 / Practices Whai Wāhitanga
Creating space for youth participation – demonstrates their understanding of facilitating youth participation to actively engage and involve and empower young people
10 / Informed By Rich And Diverse Mātauranga
Youth workers are reflective practitioners – demonstrate an understanding of being a reflective youth work practitioner, using supervision and other tools to ensure their practice is healthy and developing.
Korowai Tupu Membership
In the Korowai Tupu application, you’ll need to provide examples of your work with young people, colleagues, and your employer, as well as your knowledge of youth development, ethics, and professional growth, to show an understanding around Youth Work knowledge and practice. Become a professional member and take your professional practice to the next level.
Transforming Practice
After attaining membership, Korowai Tupu members are expected to engage in transforming practice activities regularly to keep our core competencies alive. Transforming practice includes ongoing professional development, training, conferences, workshops that you attend or facilitate, supervision, reading, intentional networking, reflection on actual experiences with young people, and other innovative activities.
Measuring and recording this each year is not about compliance; rather, transforming practice gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on our learning from the previous year, it reminds us how we’re continually evolving, ensuring our profession remains
dynamic and responsive to young people.
All current Korowai Tupu members will receive a form to fill out each year that reflects on their transforming practice activities. We encourage you to keep track of these items throughout the year so we can collate a full picture of your investment in your practice.
As a sector, we’re deeply invested in education and training and bringing people together to share learnings and growth.
Got questions?
Get in touch so we can start working together.