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Come work with us! We are seeking an administrative superstar to join us! The Ara Taiohi Operations Administrator is the cornerstone of our small team, making sure our systems run and our work is well managed. This role works across the organisation, supporting the work of Ara Taiohi to connect the sector, raise the standards, champion youth development and promote sustainability More Info Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are connected to 4,000 people who work with young people every day. Our sector is based on a positive youth development approach which focuses on nurturing young people’s strengths and abilities, fostering their healthy development, and promoting positive engagement with their communities. Learn More about Youth Work in Aotearoa

Mana Taiohi - Youth Development Principles Mana Taiohi is a principle-based framework that informs a way to work with young people in Aotearoa. It has evolved from the youth development principles previously expressed in the Youth Development Strategy of Aotearoa. The Mana Taiohi framework is informed by: The framework centres around the concept of mana. Mana is the authority we inherit at birth which can be affected by our choices and actions. It emphasises the right of a young person, to know about this, and to have agency in their lives and the decisions that impact them. Honouring the mana of young people involves celebrating their identities, and acknowledging their realities. It supports them to find their voice, work to their strengths, and step into leadership. Mana is an overarching principle of the framework and the following eight principles are in two sequential sections; Firstly, the mana young people have, and Secondly, how a youth development approach can whakamana young people. Whakamana in this context means to empower, encourage and affirm. Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources. Learn more about mana Honouring the mana of young people in Aotearoa Mauri (o te taiohi) we acknowledge the mauri, the inherent life spark and potential of young people, by supporting the development of their identity. Whakapapa (taiohi) with young people we understand and affirm their whakapapa. Hononga (taiohi) with young people we understand hononga, identity and strengthen connections. Te Ao (taiohi) with young people we explore te ao, understanding their holistic world and the dynamics that impact this. How youth development can whakamana young people Whanaungatanga with young people we prioritise whanaungatanga, taking time to build and sustain quality relationships. Manaakitanga with young people we uphold and extend manaakitanga, nourishing collective. wellbeing Whai Wāhitanga acknowledging mana, whai wāhitanga recognises young people as valued contributors to society, giving them space to participate, assume agency and take responsibility. Mātauranga with young people we are empowered by rich and diverse mātauranga, informed by good information. Learn More Mana Taiohi Whakapapa Mana Taiohi Resources Mana Taiohi Training

Renee Ngatai Training & Mosaic Co-ordinator/ Korowai Tupu Administrator She/ Her No te uri o Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, Ngāi Tahu, me Ngāti Porou. I am a dedicated advocate for the professionalisation of Youth Work, committed to strengthening the sector through research, training, and kaupapa like Mana Taiohi. As a mother to three amazing tamariki—Xavier (16), Marley (14), and Harper (6)—I see the power of youth development both personally and professionally. My passion lies in supporting taiohi to overcome ba Get in touch to discuss ⭐ Korowai Tupu ⭐ Kōrero Café ⭐ Korowau Tupu Applications ⭐ Kaiparahuarahi ⭐ Mosaic ⭐ Trainings Contact renee.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz

Tyler Ngatai Practice Lead He/ Him Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Ruanui I advocate for rangatahi and those who work alongside young people. I am a dedicated youth worker grounded in Te Ao Māori values. With whakapapa connections to Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu, and Ngāti Ruanui, I bring an intersectional lens to my work, recognising the strength and complexity of identity in the lives of young people today. With a background in counselling and over 15 years of experience working with rangatahi, I’ve supported young people to navigate challenges, explore their identities, and stand confidently in who they are. My work spans individual support, whānau-based approaches, and community development. Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, I work at both community and systems levels to scaffold youth voice and create spaces where rangatahi and those who support them can be their most authentic selves and truly heard. Get in touch to discuss If you’d like to connect or kōrero further about my mahi, I’m always open to sharing ideas and working together to strengthen how we support rangatahi, whether that’s at the grassroots or in leadership spaces. Contact tyler.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz

Bethany Walters Operations Manager She/ Her Ko Monadh Liath tōku maunga Ko Uisge Spè tōku awa Ko Baile Ùr an t-Slèibh tōku papa kāinga Ko McDonald tōku iwi I whānau mai au i Ingarangi Nō Ingarangi, Kōtirangi, me Wēra ōku tūpuna I haere au ki Aotearoa i taku taiohitanga Ko Te Mata o Rongokako te maunga e ru nei taku ngākau Ko Tukituki te awa e mahea nei aku maharahara He Tangata Tiriti ahau Ko Walters tōku whānau Ko Bethany Walters tōku ingoa I grew up in youth development with my parents so it seemed inevitable I would work in this incredible sector! I love creating systems and environments that enable our team to work effectively for the youth community. Beyond mahi, I study psychotherapy and enjoy painting, singing and time with my iramutu and kararehe. Connectedness, Input, Learner, Responsibility, Individualisation Get in touch to discuss Ara Taiohi membership, organisational development, volunteering with Ara Taiohi, sector sustainability Contact bethany.walters@arataiohi.org.nz

Jane Zintl Chief Executive She/ Her Kia ora! I've been in the youth development sector for over 30 years, as a youth worker, youth lawyer, volunteer, ethics champion, qualification shaper, strengths coach, supervisor, facilitator and trainer! I believe passionately that youth work is a key ingredient all young people need to thrive, and I work tirelessly to bring equity to the systems youth work and young people operate in. Get in touch to discuss Ethical challenges and wins, youth development ecosystem. Contact executive.officer@arataiohi.org.nz

Cimone Grayson Kaiwhakahaere Ngā Kaihoe Kia ora! I whanau mai ahau i te Whanganui a Tara No Wairoa ahau Ko Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Rongowhakaata, Ruapani, Tūhoe me Ngāti Porou ōku iwi Ko Grayson tōku whānau Ko Cimone tōku ingoa. I stumbled upon Community-Led Development work some years ago (with a focus on youth) and it’s the most purposeful mahi that I’ve ever done. Our whānau is top of the tree in all that we do, our kids enjoy a free range existence in Wairarapa, exploring rivers, parks and independence. Get in touch to discuss All things Ngā Kaihoe and supporting your Māori kaimahi Contact cimone.grayson@arataiohi.org.nz

Meleseini Luhama Tau'alupe Administrator They/ Them I am passionate about the magic our Taiao, Taiohi and everything in-between, bring! They both are a constant remind that a different world is possible. Get in touch to discuss I am the first point of contact for our beautiful org! Please touch base with me around general queries and inquiries! Contact admin@aratiohi.org.nz

Aisling Carney Communications and Advocacy She/ Her Haigh! Aisling is ainm dom! Rugadh agus tógadh mé i Co. Chiarraí agus tháinig mé go Aotearoa i 2023! Kia ora! No Ciarraí i roto Airangi ahau. Ko Aisling toku ingua. My background is in advocacy and policy work in Ireland, the UK, the EU and southern Africa. I'm delighted to be able to work with ngā rangatahi and amazing youth workers of Aotearoa! Get in touch to discuss I want to hear and share your stories! Please share stories of your work and journeys, aswell as photos of your mahi! I'm also the main point of contact for our advocacy work - please get in touch if you would like to discuss current advocacy issues or would like resources to support your own advocacy mahi Contact communications@arataiohi.org.nz

Dayna Carter Events She/ Her Ko Ruapehu tōku maunga Ko Whanganui tōku awa Ko Aotea me Kurahaupo ōku waka Ko Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi me Ngāti Apa ōku iwi Nō Whanganui ahau, engari e no ana au i te Whanganui-a-Tara. Ko Dayna tōku ingoa I'm Dayna and I am the kaitiaki of events for Ara Taiohi. I have a deep passion for supporting our sector and do that in the events space. Creating experiential spaces is my vibe and jam! Outside of mahi I love spending quality time with my two daughters, my partner, my two doggies and being deep in nature. Get in touch to discuss Anything regarding Youth Week which is a campaign and national festival of events organised by young people to celebrate the talents, passions and success of young people. Also anything regarding INVOLVE, which is the national conference for youth development. INVOLVE is a chance for the youth sector to gather, connect, learn, laugh and 'be' together. Contact dayna.carter@arataiohi.org.nz

Chris Davidson Accountant He/ Him Community focused financial translator I started out as a Chartered Accountant in the corporate world, but working with a few non-profit clients quickly made me realise where my heart truly was - helping communities, especially young people. So, I traded spreadsheets for sociology books, did some extra study, and never looked back. Now, more than 20 years later, I’m still passionate about making a real impact, empowering youth-focused organisations, and loving every moment of it! Get in touch to discuss Finance and billing issues Contact bookkeeping@arataiohi.org.nz