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< Back Code of Ethics Learn more about the standards we expect from everyone in our sector. The Code of Ethics for Youth Work in Aotearoa sets the standard for safe, ethical, and effective youth work practice. It reflects the values of Mana Taiohi and provides a framework to guide decision-making, strengthen professional integrity, and ensure the rights and wellbeing of rangatahi remain at the centre of our work. Download Resources Previous Next

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

< Back Tayla Taylor Code of Ethics Facilitator/ Mana Taiohi Facilitator Ko Tayla Taylor toku ingoa. I have been a youth worker for roughly ten years and am a huge champion for youth voice in all spaces and empowering rangatahi to build upon their strengths. I'm social work trained and currently mahi with VOYCE Whakarongo Mai as Kaiārahi for Te Waipounamu. I'm incredibly passionate about building the professionalisation, capacity, and credibility of our youth sector and see the understanding of and upskilling in Mana Taiohi and Code of Ethics as a huge part of that. As well as youth voice mahi and supporting the sector, I also enjoy systems change kaupapa, amplifying marginalised voices and ensuring systems are equitable and accessible for all. My facilitation style is relational and inclusive, with a hope that people feel confident in their training and further connected to the sector. I am based in Ōtautahi but able to travel for facilitation tayla_taylor@outlook.com

Homepage of Korowai Tupu, the Professional Association of Youth Work in Aotearoa Korowai Tupu Professional Association Korowai Tupu is the Professional Association for Youth Work in Aotearoa. It is dedicated to forming genuine relationships with young people, their whānau, and the wider community to promote positive youth development. Youth Work is a unique profession, and Aotearoa is a unique nation, which is why Korowai Tupu was designed by youth workers for youth workers to ensure it is an inclusive process for all, recognising experience, qualifications, and training. As part of the broader youth development ecosystem of Ara Taiohi, Korowai Tupu professional membership is focused on volunteers and paid youth workers who identify professionally or vocationally as a youth worker. Connected, we stand strong, fostering an environment that values collaboration and commitment to creating positive outcomesfor young people across Aotearoa. Whakapapa - our history Core Competencies Feedback & Complaints Korowai Tupu Membership Benefits Professional status recognising your mana as a youth worker. Raised profile and valuing of youth work across Aotearoa. Vehicle to meet the requirements of the Vulnerable Children’s Act. Career Development: Established qualifications, career pathways, and professional development opportunities. Being part of a community of youth workers, shaping and contributing to the voice of our profession. Support to understand and implement best practice in your Youth Work Be part of a collective voice for Youth Work and young people in Aotearoa. Promotes pay parity and conditions with other professions. Discounts are available for conferences and Kaiparahuarahi (our journal), etc. Quality Standards: Increased consistency, quality, and accountability of practice. In addition, Korowai Tupu membership includes all the benefits of Ara Taiohi membership , and you will be sent a certificate and welcome pack upon acceptance. Becoming a Member Meet our Current Members

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. Start Membership Application 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. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

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

Kaupapa Ara Taiohi is the peak body for youth development in Aotearoa. We are a national membership based organisation connected to over 3,700 individuals and organisations who represent a diverse range of groups and practitioners that work with young people. Youth Week Youth Week is a nationwide festival of events organised by young New Zealanders to celebrate the talents, passion and success of local young people. INVOLVE INVOLVE is Aotearoa’s national youth development biennial conference — a vibrant gathering of youth workers, rangatahi, researchers, and sector leaders. Over two dynamic days, it’s a space to connect, learn, and be inspired through powerful kōrero, creative sessions, and shared experiences that celebrate and strengthen youth work across the motu. MOSAIC Our MOSAIC resources support youth workers to hold safe, meaningful kōrero with rangatahi about racism, discrimination, and values, and to navigate situations where young people express discriminatory views. Our Partnerships

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

< Back Sarah Finlay-Robinson Mana Taiohi Facilitator Kia ora! I have over 20 years of experience in youth development in community, not-for-profit, health promotion, and local government contexts. I have spent five years teaching youth development in tertiary education. I am a creative and interactive trainer whose unique skill set translates theory and evidence to strengthen youth development practice and increase impact in your context. I am passionate about helping people working with young people to thrive in their mahi . incommonprojects@gmail.com

< Back Lloyd (Doc) Martin Code of Ethics Facilitator Now based in the Hawkes Bay, I provide supervision and facilitate workshops around the motu in ethics and youth development for youth workers, community educators, and anyone whose mahi impacts young people. My special interest is the intersection between youth development and education, how these are affected by trauma, and what it takes to re-engage youth. I have recently completed a doctorate which involved listening to young people’s experiences of AE and of the people who work with them in those settings. I use practical and interactive approaches in my teaching, and am comfortable working within te ao Māori contexts. More info at my website: https://www.newseason.nz Lloyd@newseason.nz

Atarau Hamilton he/ him I see Ara Taiohi as a vital force in advocating for the youth sector and strengthening the impact of Mana Taiohi in practice. My hope is to see a sector where all youth workers are well-supported, connected, and equipped to foster the wellbeing and potential of rangatahi. By embedding Mana Taiohi into every level of youth work, we can ensure that young people are at the center of decision-making, and that our sector continues to grow in strength, equity, and sustainability.