< Back Sarah Finlay Robinson Tēnā koe, Kei Tāmaki Makaurau e noho ana. Ko Tangata Tiriti ahau. Ko Sarah ahau. I care deeply about youth workers and the vital role you play in helping taiohi thrive. I offer external professional supervision, alongside youth development training and coaching. I’ve worn many hats across the youth development sector—from managing a charitable trust, championing youth participation in local government, to working on the ground as a youth worker, supporting young people leaving care and into employment or training, leading community development initiatives, and tertiary education. My Approach I offer supervision that is strengths-based, reflective, and relational. I believe it should be a restorative and empowering space—one where you feel safe to explore the realities of your mahi, reconnect with your purpose, and continue growing in confidence and clarity. Together, we’ll co-create a respectful and authentic supervision relationship that centres your goals and learning. My approach draws on a reflective learning and whole-person perspective, recognising the interconnected dimensions of wellbeing. Supervision sessions can take place online or kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face), depending on what works best for you. If you’re interested in having a kōrero to see if we’re a good fit, I’d love to hear from you. Qualifications * Level 5 Certificate in Supervision – WelTec, Auckland * Te Ara Reo Māori (Levels 1 & 2) – Te Wānanga o Aotearoa * Level 5 Certificate in Adult Teaching and Learning – Open Polytechnic * Master of Health Science – University of Auckland * Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies – Massey University * Bachelor of Arts – University of Canterbury Profesional Association Korowai Tupu Connect with the Supervisor Directly sarah@incommonnz.org Previous Next

< Back SONSK8 Youth Week Jam Health & Sport East Skate Club Inc Target Age: 12-24 Address: 79 Line Road, Glen Innes, Auckland 1072, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 8:00 pm https://www.sonsk8.co.nz aaron@eastskate.co.nz SONSK8 seeks to remove barriers to participation by offering free entry, shared equipment, and a non-competitive environment. The event also creates opportunities for peer mentoring, where experienced youth skaters support beginners. Ultimately, the Skate Jam is about creating space for taiohi to belong, be active, and be heard while celebrating their strengths during Youth Week. Previous Next

Mana Taiohi and Active Recreation A case study Working together Ara Taiohi and Ihi Aotearoa - Sport NZ use the Mana Taiohi principles to develop the Active Recreation for Rangatahi Plan. Both organisations share a deep commitment to supporting the wellbeing of rangatahi in Aotearoa. We know that being physically active and participating in positive youth development programmes that are informed by Te Ao Māori increases young people’s wellbeing. The Sport NZ/Ara Taiohi partnership has allowed us to explore the potential of weaving these ingredients together and the positive impact this can have on young people. Sport NZ's Active Recreation for Rangatahi Plan Practical ways to embed Mana Taiohi Programme Report Mana Taiohi Champions A key focus of the case study was to support Mana Taiohi Champions in Regional Sports Trusts around the motu. Learn more about the expierence of the Mana Taiohi Champions and how their organisations use Mana Taiohi Active Southland Sport Waitākere Nuku Ora Whiti Ora Taiāwhiti Sport Tasman Key Learnings Individual champions need to be supported within their organisation Practical tools and resources are needed to support the Champions and the wider team External support, particularly working with others in the youth development sector, improves outcomes Mana Taiohi in action, particularly encouraging whai wāhitanga, strengthens buy-in to the programme Mana Taiohi Champions Tohu This tohu, designed by the talented Tokarārangi Poa, reflects the journey that the Champions engage in throughout this mahi, as they grow and learn about the Mana Taiohi kaupapa. The eight rākau in the logo represent the eight principles of Mana Taiohi and the taiaha in the middle represents the champions. The rākau and taiaha represent the journey from becoming novices to champions, from wielding rākau to wielding taiaha Additional Resources Sport NZ Youth Development Reflection Tool Sport NZ Mana Taiohi and Youth Voice Co-designing with Rangatahi Youth Voices in Governance Active Southland Leadership Programme Youth Voice in Active Recreation Article in Kaiparahuarahi (Vol 2, No 1.)

About Us Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are connected to over 4,000 people who work with young people across Aotearoa every day. We are a Tiriti-based, membership organisation which resources and advocates for the youth development sector. Vision An empowered ecosystem of youth development, where rangatahi thrive Mission Ara Taiohi exists to champion youth development and young people, advocating for those who work with rangatahi, and nurturing their capacity and capability. Tūruapō He taiao whakapūmau whakawhanake taiohi, e pūāwai mai ai a rangatahi. Whakatakanga Ka noho a Ara Taiohi hei kawau mārō i te mahi whakawhanake taiohi, i te hunga taiohi hoki, hei waha kōrero mō rātou e taunaki nei i te rangatahi ā ka poipoia hoki ō rātou raukaha me ō rātou āheinga. Youth Work is the development of a relationship that honours the mana of a young person, where young people actively participate, discover their power, and choose to engage for as long as agreed; and that supports their holistic, positive development as young people that contribute to themselves, their whānau, community and world. Our Values Uphold Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) As guardians of youth development, we nurture the sector with best practices and innovative solutions. Guided by kaitiakitanga, we are stewards of the futures of both our youth and our sector, caring for their wellbeing and development with respect and responsibility. We pledge to protect, preserve, and enhance the resources and potential of our rangatahi, ensuring a legacy of empowerment and growth for generations to come. Pursue Mana Taurite (Equity and Inclusivity) We envision a world where every voice is heard, every culture is celebrated, and every young person has an equal chance to shine. Ara Taiohi is dedicated to fostering equity, ensuring that every young person receives the opportunity and support to thrive. We champion fairness and actively work to resolve systemic issues, creating an inclusive environment where rangatahi potential is recognised and nurtured. Practise Manaakitanga (Care and Respect) Our approach is grounded in aroha, care, and respect for all. Whether collaborating with youth workers or advocating for change, we lead with kindness and generosity. Manaakitanga is our commitment to nurturing and uplifting the mana of everyone we interact with. It is about fostering an environment of respect, generosity, and support, ensuring that every interaction acknowledges and empowers the inherent dignity and potential within each person. Weave Kotahitanga (Unity) Like the intertwined threads of woven harakeke, we bring people together, uniting our strengths to support the collective wellbeing of our rangatahi. Ara Taiohi champions unity and collective action, weaving together diverse voices and strengths to create a harmonious and supportive environment. Our commitment to collaboration and shared purpose ensures that together, we build a stronger, more inclusive community. Our Whakapapa Since the 1960s we have had a rich history of large national youth organisations establishing umbrella organisations as a way to ‘provide a national voice on youth organisation interests’. Ara Taiohi grew out of a merger between the New Zealand Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) and the National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa (NYWNA), who come together to form a new national youth sector organisation. Ara Taiohi was launched at the INVOLVE national youth sector conference in November 2010 and became fully operational at the inaugural AGM in February 2011. Our Name Our name, Ara Taiohi was chosen in consultation by Māori members and our kaumatua, Tamati Cairns and Ruru Hona. ‘Ara’ means ‘pathway, lane, passageway to/from’ and ‘taiohi’ means ‘young person’ in Aotearoa. Therefore, Ara Taiohi is the pathway to and from young people. As a peak body we are committed to developing projects and sharing resources, tools and information to enhance practice. We bring together the power of our diverse sector to champion and advocate on issues that affects young people, and those who work with them. Together, we create a nationwide movement of people who work with young people. Our collective skills, knowledge and passion will help shape an Aotearoa where young people are valued, included and will thrive. We are the proud kaitiaki of

< Back Amber Paterson Tena koe, I'm Amber Paterson (she/her). I am Pākehā, queer, fat, cis female who is also a parent in Ōtautahi. I have been a kaimahi, and working within youth and community development for over 16 years. I'm passionate about youth development and supporting people through external supervision. I can't imagine working in any other profession. I have been providing supervision since 2018. I have worked in many roles from faith based, well-being + psycho-social support, project creation, facilitation, kaupapa Māori, camps, hapori based, in-school, LGBTQIA+ specific groups and safe spaces. My Approach My style of supervision is a holistic approach. I believe we take our whole selves into our mahi. Healthy kaimahi, healthy practice means healthier rangatahi or whaiora. ACT therapeutic model of practice is central to how I conduct my mahi too. I offer supervision online or face to face in Ōtautahi/ Christchurch. I am registered with ANZASW and a member of Ara Taiohi. Qualifications Dip in Youth and Community Development Psychological First Aid Response Ability Pathways (RAP) Profesional Association Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers Connect with the Supervisor Directly amberbpaterson@gmail.com Previous Next

Anya Satyanand she/ her Anya has spent most of the last 3 decades working with young people, creating conditions for their full participation in our democracy, communities, and economy. Deeply committed to Mana Taiohi principles, she’s passionate about ensuring young voices are heard, valued, and at the forefront of positive change. Over the past decade, Anya has been kaimahi, member, and steadfast supporter of Ara Taiohi. A recovering teacher, her belief in a just, regenerative, and Te Tiriti-centred future has led her through diverse roles—from leadership development to systems innovation—yet she always returns to her purpose: standing with rangatahi and young people. Anya is Executive Director at Ember Innovations, catalysing change in the mental health system through research and innovation. She also serves as a director of ethical investment company Pathfinder. Anya brings a collaborative, inclusive approach to leadership, focused on amplifying youth potential. She’s mama to two amazing young people - Lola and Leilani - who inspire and ground her every day.

< Back Amohia Rolls I am a descendant of Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Waikato and Ngāti Raukawa, and I am a proud mum of five. My whakapapa, whānau and connection to community are central to who I am and provide the foundation for the way I engage with people, particularly in supporting culturally responsive practice and the wellbeing of rangatahi, whānau and practitioners. I bring 30 years of experience in education, including 15 years as a Principal across both English-medium and Māori-medium settings. I have also been privileged to establish and lead a new kura ā-iwi, which opened in 2024, creating an educational environment grounded in whakapapa, culture, identity and the aspirations of whānau. Alongside my education leadership, I have 20 years of governance experience across school, Rongo Mauri Trust and iwi boards. These experiences have developed my ability to lead, listen, challenge constructively, reflect deeply and support others through complex situations. In 2018, I established Rongo Mauri in response to the needs I was seeing within the Camberley community. Rongo Mauri has since grown to two sites, extending into Feilding, with a team of 22 staff. Our work specialises in youth development, education, pathways, connection and potential, with cultural therapy being a key part of our approach to healing and wellbeing. As the leader of the organisation, I provide cultural supervision and support to my own staff, helping practitioners reflect on their practice, understand the cultural contexts of the people they work with, and remain grounded in safe, ethical and culturally responsive approaches. My supervision experience also extends beyond my own organisation, including providing cultural supervision and support to MSD workers and social workers in the wider community. I am a Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor and have completed a Certificate in Supervision. My experience has reinforced for me that effective supervision is not simply about accountability or professional development; it is about creating a safe and reflective space where practitioners can explore their practice, recognise their own biases and assumptions, work through complexity, and strengthen their cultural confidence and capability. I bring an innovative cultural lens grounded in whakapapa, lived experience, clinical practice, education, leadership and youth development. I see supervision as an opportunity to support practitioners to grow in their practice while ultimately improving outcomes for the people, whānau and communities they serve. My Approach My approach to supervision is culturally grounded, relational and strengths-based, with cultural therapy and cultural narrative being key connectors in the way I work with practitioners. I use cultural narratives to guide conversations, creating opportunities to explore identity, whakapapa, experiences, values and the cultural contexts that influence both the practitioner and the people they support. This provides a safe space for deeper reflection, understanding and connection. I draw on my extensive experience across education, social services, youth development, mental health and addictions, as well as my experience leading and supporting teams. This broad sector knowledge enables me to provide practical, solution-focused supervision that connects reflection with action. I support practitioners to explore challenges, recognise strengths, identify opportunities, develop strategies and work towards clear and achievable goals. I see supervision as a collaborative process rather than simply providing answers. I work alongside practitioners to develop strategies, goals and plans that are relevant to their practice, their cultural context and the people they support. My aim is to strengthen confidence, capability and cultural responsiveness, while supporting practitioners to remain grounded, reflective and focused on safe, effective and meaningful outcomes for rangatahi, whānau and communities. Qualifications Bachelor Education Post Grad Mental Health & Addictions Counselling Certificate Supervision Mataora- Mahi Atua Profesional Association DAPAANZ The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Connect with the Supervisor Directly rongomauri.trust@gmail.com Previous Next

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, exploring how genealogies and heritage connect to their sense of identity and belonging. 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 meaningful and trusting relationships . Manaakitanga with young people we uphold and extend manaakitanga, through reciprocal respect and care. Whai Wāhitanga Whai wāhitanga recognises young people as valued contributors to society, creating space for participation, agency and responsiblity . Mātauranga with young people, we are empowered by rich and diverse mātauranga, that encompasses good knowledge, wisdom and understanding . Learn More Mana Taiohi Whakapapa Mana Taiohi Resources Mana Taiohi Training

< Back Whanau Music/Talent Night Music & Dance Wainuiomata High School Target Age: 13-17 Address: 60 Parkway, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt 5014, New Zealand When: 20 May 2026 6:00 am renk22053@wainuiomatahigh.school.nz PRIVATE EVENT Our whanau music night will be an opportunity for student talent to be celebrated and we will be inviting whanau in to have a good time, enjoy music and kai together all with the goal of celebrating our Taiohi. Previous Next

Mahi Tūturu - the Landscape of Youth Work in Aotearoa Download Aotearoa Youth Research Download PYD & Wellbeing Literature Review Download

< Back MOSAIC Our MOSAIC resources support youth workers to hold safe, meaningful kōrero with rangatahi about racism, discrimination, and values, These resources aim to empower youth workers and young people to foster empathy, understanding, and peaceful dialogue. Our mission is to create a more inclusive society where all rangatahi feel a sense of belonging and are equipped to navigate conversations around prejudice and racism with courage and compassion. Download Resources Previous Next

Apply to Become a Supervisor Supervision is an important part of our professional practice. If you’re committed to supporting anyone working with young people in their work, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about what’s involved and apply to be listed in our directory. Supervisor profiles are currently being updated and will be refreshed with new information in the new year. First name* Last name* Email (this will be made public)* Introduce Yourself Approach to Supervision * Where you will be offering services? Nationwide Online Northland Auckland Waikato Bay of Plenty Gisborne Hawke's Bay Taranaki Manawatu-Whanganu Wellington Nelson-Tasman Marlborough West Coast Canterbury Otago Southland What professional affiliations do you have? Korowai Tupu Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers DAPAANZ NZ Nurses Organisation NZ Association of Counsellors NZ Christian Counselling Assocation Nursing Council New Zealand Social Work Registration Board The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Other Qualifications Please note we post up to 3 of your most relevant qualifications to supervising Youth Workers/youth development practitioners. Please enter the qualification and the institution where you studied What contexts do you have knowledge and experience in? Full range of context Adventure Based Learning Alternative Education Arts Camps Business Central Government Community Centre Community Development (Dis)ablity Drop-in Centre Employment Code of Ethics for Youth Work Ethnic Events Faith-Based Health Health Promotion Industry Iwi Leadership Development Local Government Mental Health Mentoring NEET Outdoor Education Pasifika Rainbow Refugee/ Migrant Residential Rites of Passage Rural School Social Enterprise Social Service Sports and Recreation Statutory Taura Here Group Uniformed Whānau Services Young Parents Youth Development Youth Health Youth One Stop Shop Kaitiakitanga/ cultural Spiritual Coaching Homelessness Please select the areas that closely relate to your professional knowledge and experience. This is an useful to use the lens of supervising youth development practitioners when selecting Image of yourself (please use a headshot with a clean background and good lighting) Upload Image All of the information I have provided is true and correct Submit