Search Results

< Back Eid al-Adha Celebration Other University of Otago - Muslim University Students' Association Target Age: 12-24 Address: 84 Albany Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand When: 23 May 2026 6:30 pm otago.musaofficial@gmail.com The Eid al-Adha Celebration, hosted by the Muslim University Students’ Association (MUSA) at the University of Otago, commemorates the "Festival of Sacrifice," emphasising compassion, charity and community. This event brings together Muslim students away from home while opening its doors to the wider student body to foster intercultural understanding. We aim to achieve three goals: first, to provide a joyous environment that combats isolation and strengthens belonging for Muslim students; second, to use this as a platform for cultural exchange, breaking down stereotypes; third, to share food and stories, creating a warm atmosphere that enriches campus life. Rangatahi (young people) are at the heart of this event - the entirely student-led MUSA executive committee has identified the need for this celebration, initiated planning and will lead from conception to delivery, demonstrating Whai Wāhitinga. Previous Next

< Back Youth Movie Night Film, Cultural Multicultural Youth Nelson Target Age: 13-18 Address: 91 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand When: 22 May 2026 6:00 pm amy.coulter@ncc.govt.nz Join us this Youth Week for a special movie night screening of Coco at State Cinemas Nelson on Friday, 22 May. This event is open to young people aged 13+ and is a chance to relax, connect and celebrate the diversity of our community through film, conversation and fun. Snacks provided, interactive Q&A session during the break. Previous Next

Tāhono Helping shape the future of youth work and young people in Aotearoa In November, Aotearoa will have its next General Election. This isn’t just a chance to decide who will govern our country, but to influence the directions they will take. Together, we’re creating two sets of policy directives to take to politicians across the political spectrum before the election. Government decisions shape funding, accountability, and the conditions within which youth work operates in. It's important that the voice of our sector is part of shaping those decisions. We’re building from the the findings of Mahi Tūturu , and we’re asking youth workers and agencies across the motu to be part of this too. Your input helps shape what we take to MPs, the stories we back it up with, and the cases we make. Take part We are gathering whakaaro on two main topics The value of youth development We're focusing on the value of youth development: who we are, why we're needed, and how the government can support an empowered youth development ecosystem where rangatahi thrive. Explore related work Safe practice in youth work We're also focusing on what safe practice should look like in youth work. What should accountability, support, and any form of registration look like to ensure young people are safe, and youth workers are well supported? Find out more Here's how you can participate What we take to government will be shaped by what you share. This is a chance to make sure the realities of your work, and the needs of young people you support, are reflected in the priorities we put in front of decision-makers. There are a few different ways to get involved - whether you want to share your reflections, ask questions, or just start the conversation. Share your thoughts Share your thoughts and experiences via our online survey. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete. Take the survey We're coming to you We are connecting with as many regions as possible ā-tinana. Check out how close we are coming to you. Meet with us Regional networks We're connecting with regional networks. Ask your local network how they're planning to participate. Find your network Online webinar If you prefer to connect online, join our online webinar on Thursday 28 May, 11-12pm. Register Chat with us directly We are always happy to meet online one-to-one or with groups with those interested in knowing more. Contact us Who we're connecting with We want to hear from people right across the youth development sector. Alongside open ways to participate, we’re creating dedicated spaces to connect more intentionally with different parts of the sector. If you'd like to be part of this kōrero, we'd really value your input. Connect with our Practice Lead at tyler.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz If you are Māori We’re committed to engaging in ways that reflect our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to ensuring Māori voices help lead and shape this work. This includes connecting ā-tinana with whānau, hapū, and iwi across the motu with support from the Workforce Futures Fund, and working closely with Ngā Kaihoe and the Māori youth development workforce. We’ll also be providing a space for Māori voices to come together and share whakaaro through an online forum for Ngā Kaihoe members. If you have experience with the Care System It’s important that this work reflects the experiences of those connected to the care system. We’ve already engaged through the VOYCE Whakarongo Mai conference, connecting with Kaiwhakamana and care-experienced young people, and we’ll continue to build on these relationships. We’re also working with Oranga Tamariki to connect with youth workers across their network. Alongside this, we’re keen to connect with organisations and youth workers in the community who are supporting young people in care. If you want to know more, please connect with Jane at executive.officer@arataiohi.org.nz We are connecting with as many regions as possible ā-tinana Come find us on the road! If you're wanting more information on exact times and locations, please reach out to Tyler Ngātai at tyler.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz Te Tai Tokerau Whangarei - Monday 4th May Kaikohe - Tuesday 5th May Kaitaia - Wednesday 6th May Whakatū Whakatū Marae - Monday 11th May Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Network - Tuesday 12th May Tauranga Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust - Friday 15th May Rotorua Rotorua - Monday 25th May Taranaki New Plymouth - Thursday 18th June Hāwera - Friday 19th June Stay tuned We'll update this webpage as more events get confirmed.

Our Membership Members are a core component of our peak body mahi, and help to shape the work Ara Taiohi does for the wider youth development community. As a Member, you will connect with hundreds of other members who share your heart for young people; together, we can continue to grow our influence for the benefit of all taiohi. Meet our Current Members Membership Structure Personal Members Ara Taiohi Personal membership is open to anyone who works with young people in a way that supports their positive youth development, or who works in the ecosystem of youth development that makes positive change for rangatahi. What are the benefits of membership? -Discounts on Ara Taiohi resources -Discounts on hui, events and conferences (such as INVOLVE) -Access to our regular e-newsletters and other communications -Voting and speaking rights at the Ara Taiohi AGM and Special General Meetings, and the option to be nominated to the Ara Taiohi Board. -Preferential application to our annual Youth Week grants scheme -Early access to Ara Taiohi trainings -The opportunity to inform and influence how we advocate for issues affecting rangatahi, the youth development sector and its workforce But more importantly, you would be joining our collective commitment to the investment into the taiohi of Aotearoa, and into the growth of this community. The greatest benefit you can get from joining Ara Taiohi is what you put in… so become a members and let us know how you’d like to get involved. What are the expectations of Members? Upon joining, Personal Members are asked to sign their commitment to upholding Mana Taiohi – the principles of youth development, and the Code of Ethics for Youth Work. Members of the public can raise complaints about Ara Taiohi Members; if a Member were found to be in breach of Mana Taiohi or the Code of Ethics, then their membership could be revoked. Members are expected to pay an annual membership fee, which aligns with our financial year beginning 1 July. In years where Ara Taiohi can offer the option to opt out of fees, it is expected that members communicate in writing that they wish to take up this option. What is the cost? There is no application fee, but Members are charged an annual fee. This is dependent on your employment status. Waged (i.e. in paid employment): $80 +GST Unwaged (i.e. volunteers and students): $40 +GST Note: Annual renewal date is 1 July for membership fees. Members who join during the year pay a percentage according to a pro-rated payment system until they are aligned with the renewal date. In some years, Ara Taiohi may be able to offer the option to opt out of fees. Where this is offered, Personal Members need to indicate they are taking up this offer. Group Members Any organisation with an interest in the work of Ara Taiohi can become a Group Member. We especially encourage youth organisations or teams with a youth focus in their work to join. What are the benefits of membership? As a Group Member, any of your staff and volunteers are able to access the direct benefits included in membership: -Discounts on Ara Taiohi resources -Discounts on hui, events and conferences (such as INVOLVE) -Access to our regular e-newsletters and other communications -Voting and speaking rights at the Ara Taiohi AGM and Special General Meetings, and the option to be nominated to the Ara Taiohi Board. -Preferential application to our annual Youth Week grants scheme -Early access to Ara Taiohi trainings -The opportunity to inform and influence how we advocate for issues affecting rangatahi, the youth development sector and its workforce But more importantly, you would be joining our collective commitment to the investment into the taiohi of Aotearoa, and into the growth of this community. The greatest benefit you can get from joining Ara Taiohi is what you put in… so become a members and let us know how you’d like to get involved. What are the expectations of Members? Upon joining, Group Members are asked to sign their commitment to upholding Mana Taiohi – the principles of youth development, and the Code of Ethics for Youth Work. Members of the public can raise complaints about Ara Taiohi Members; if a Member were found to be in breach of Mana Taiohi or the Code of Ethics, then their membership could be revoked. Group Members are expected to pay an annual membership fee, which aligns with our financial year beginning 1 July. In years where Ara Taiohi can offer the option to opt out of fees, it is expected that members communicate in writing that they wish to take up this option. A Primary Contact is required as the main point of contact for your Group Membership. This person will receive our emails about your membership, keep your organisation details updated and be able to vote on behalf of your organisation at our AGM. If the person designated as your Primary Contact were to leave the organisation, you would be required to provide a new Primary Contact. What is the cost? There is no application fee, but Members are charged an annual fee. This is dependent on the number of people in your organisation working with rangatahi: -Tiny: (1-2 FTE working directly with young people) $100 +GST -Small: (3-7 FTE working directly with young people) $165 +GST -Medium: (8-17 FTE working directly with young people) $385 +GST -Large: (18+ FTE working directly with young people) $550 +GST Note: Annual renewal date is 1 July for membership fees. Members who join during the year pay a percentage according to a pro-rated payment system until they are aligned with the renewal date. How can I connect if I don't want to be a Member? If you aren’t ready or aren’t interested in joining Ara Taiohi as a Member, then we’d still love to connect with you! The best way to do this is to join our mailing list so you can keep updated with our news. Join Mailing List Personal Members Joining Ara Taiohi as a Personal Member connects you with a national network of youth workers and provides access to professional development, resources, and collective advocacy. Apply Group Members Becoming a Group Member of Ara Taiohi strengthens your organisation’s connection to the youth development sector and offers tailored support, sector updates, and opportunities to influence positive change together. Apply Korowai Tupu Korowai Tupu is the Professional Association for Youth Work in Aotearoa. It is dedicated to supporting you in your professional identity whilst setting standards of best practice and accountability. Korowai Tupu also advocates for the profession of Youth Work and its workforce. Apply

< Back Zine Workshop Art Nelson Public Libraires Target Age: 12-24 Address: 27 Halifax Street, Nelson City, Nelson 7010, New Zealand When: 18 May 2026 4:00 pm library@ncc.govt.nz Zines are a fun and creative way to share what you're passionate about with others. Learn how to design and create your own zine to share your voice this Youth Week! Runs 4-5pm. Ages 12+. Previous Next

Practice Notes Resources to help navigate complex questions in youth work Practice Note: Addressing Gambling Harm Download Practice Note: Responding to the Radicalisation of Young People Download

Whakapapa of Youth Week Youth Week began in 1995 with a handful of events scattered throughout Canada. Since then it has gathered momentum and is now celebrated each year in countries all around the world. Aotearoa New Zealand first marked Youth Week in the late 1990s, with NZAAHD weaving the first festivals and later entrusting it’s celebrations to Ara Taiohi in 2010. 2025 Whai Wāhitanga Take Our Place 2024 We may not have it all together, but together we have it all. Māwherangi a tama roto ka taka, kāpuia ake ka pūrangiaho. 2023 Leaders of (tomorrow?) today! Ehara ahau i te rangatira mō āpōpō, engari he rangatira ahau mō tēnei rā. 2022 Our voices matter. We deserve to be heard. Taringa whakarongo! ki te reo o ngā taiohi. 2021 We’re stronger together. He waka eke noa

Information for Funders Why fund organisations committed to a positive youth development approach? Positive youth development is grounded in academic research and the experiences of grassroots organisations, and research suggests that it is more successful than approaches that focus solely on young people’s deficits. Although there is recognition that young people face challenges and that risks need to be mitigated, the emphasis in positive youth development is on young people’s strengths and capacities, with a focus on thriving. When a positive youth development approach is added to other youth interventions, it has been shown that young people’s engagement increases and positive results are more likely. Here's a snapshot of some of our key activities last year: Mahi Tūturu This landmark research brings together the voices of 560 youth workers and managers from across the motu, painting a powerful picture of the realities, challenges, and hopes shaping our sector today. Grounded in tikanga and driven by collaboration between Ara Taiohi and AUT, Mahi Tūturu offers fresh insights to guide the future of Youth Work — and celebrates the mana of those who make it happen every day. Dive in to see where we’ve come from, and where we’re heading next. Mahi Tūturu Report Partnering with Ara Taiohi As the peak body for youth development, Ara Taiohi leads the strategic, systemic work that furthers the practice and effectiveness of the youth sector. If you are a funder that has a focus on... systems change workforce development futures thinking capacity and capability advocacy then we'd love to chat to you about any potential partnerships or opportunities to work together. Youth Week Are you interested in partnering with us to grow youth-led funding through Youth Week - empowering young people to design, lead, and deliver initiatives that make a real difference in their communities? By investing in this kaupapa, you’re helping to amplify youth voices, strengthen local leadership, and create lasting opportunities for rangatahi to shape the future they want to see. Work with us First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

< Back Dr. Helen Tau'au-Filisi Kia ora & Talofa lava, I am SamoaNZ and currently teaching in the space of Kaitiakitanga: Post Graduate Diploma in Bicultural Professional Supervision. I have experience as an educator, creative, mentor, coach, supervision etc. I have a PhD in Indigenous Postgraduate studies with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and currently work at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. I'm happy to support any in their journeys... My Approach My approach to Supervision is through Kaitiakitanga (guardianship) e.g. bicultural professional conversations or talanoa (cultural discussions). I can support those who would like bicultural, cultural and holistic supervision that is practice-led and am flexible to suit needs and preferences. Qualifications PhD (Indigenous Postgraduate studies); Dip. of Life Coaching; M.A. (Master of Arts), M.C.W. (Master of Creative Writing); Dip. of Tertiary Tchg Profesional Association The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand Connect with the Supervisor Directly helenftauau@gmail.com Previous Next

Who We Are 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. Our Board Our Board provides strong leadership and strategic guidance, ensuring our work remains impactful and aligned with our mission to support young people. Meet the leaders who support and guide our mahi, ensuring we continue to make a lasting difference. Our Members Members are a core component of our peak body mahi, and help to shape the work Ara Taiohi does for the wider youth development community. Our Team Our team is a passionate group of individuals dedicated to empowering the youth sector and driving meaningful change. Meet the people behind our mahi—each bringing their unique skills, insights, and energy to our mission. Ngā Kaihoe Ngā Kaihoe is the national network of Māori kaimahi. We create space to connect and share youth sector insights and experiences from an indigenous perspective. Funders To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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

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 Professionalisation Consultation Korowai Tupu is engaging with youth workers across the country to build awareness and engagement on professional Youth Work, how our existing structures are working for youth workers and for young people. Learn More 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