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- NGĀ KAIHOE | Ara Taiohi
Ngā Kaihoe Ngā Kaihoe was specifically designed to ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi was integral to the running of the Peak Body of Youth Development in Aotearoa. It is important that Māori kaimahi see themselves reflected at every level of the organisation and sector. “Ngā Kaihoe doesn’t exist all by itself, it’s part of a much bigger vision for how we would commit to te Tiriti inside this organisation.” Prof. Elizabeth Kerekere Ngā Kaihoe Membership Join Ngā Kaihoe and unlock opportunities to connect, grow, and lead alongside other kaimahi Māori driving change for rangatahi, as well as: WHANAUNGATANGA Connecting with others MAHITAHI Collaboration HAPAHAPAI Advocacy TUAKIRI Identity If you whakapapa Māori and would like to become a member of Ngā Kaihoe, please click here, respond to the questions and submit your registration. Join Ngā Kaihoe Each quarter, Ngā Kaihoe shares a pānui that celebrates and reflects on our mahi. This information is shared to keep our whanau informed, inspired, and connected to the kaupapa. These pānui highlight the collective progress of Māori kaimahi and the Ngā Kaihoe network, aligning our stories with the wider movement of te iwi Māori and the rhythms that impact our reality. If you have something to contribute, get in touch with us at admin@arataiohi.org.nz
- Raniera | Ara Taiohi
Raniera Pene he/ him Ko Puke Karoro te Maunga Ko Kaipara te Moana Ko Ōruawharo te Marae Ko Te Uri O Hau te Hapū Ko Ngāti Whātua te Iwi Ko Mahuhu Ki Te Rangi te Waka Ko Tumutumuwhenua te Tupuna My professional career in youth work began in 2016 when I was employed by the late MP Takutai Moana Kemp who, at that time, was the CEO of Te Kaha O Te Rangatahi based in South Auckland. Under her extraordinary leadership, we were guided by the famous words of the late kaumatua Eru Thompson who coined the phrase, “ko ngā rangatahi ngā rangatira o te nāianei.” (our youth are our leaders of today). Since 2021, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work for my iwi (Ngāti Whātua) as the Senior Advisor of Te Ha Oranga, delivering a wide range of youth-focused initiatives for all young people across our tribal boundary. Our belief is that when a community prioritises its youth, it ensures a safe and thriving future for all people. In the year 2022, I was appointed as the Kaihautū of Ara Taiohi. Being the peak body for youth development across Aotearoa, I saw this role as a significant opportunity to connect the sector through Te Tiriti and make a difference for all youth workers in their capacity to materialise the wise words of the late Eru Thompson. Fast forward to today, Ara Taiohi continues to be the vehicle of change that champions unity across the sector and encourages the leaders of our nation to deeply consider the role of youth work in shaping a safe and thriving Aotearoa.
- TE TIRITI O WAITANGI | Ara Taiohi
Our Commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi Our commitment At Ara Taiohi, we are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation of our work with and for taiohi across Aotearoa. Guided by tikanga and matauranga Māori, Te Tiriti is woven through every aspect of our governance, management, and practice. We honour Te Tiriti by drawing on Māori conceptual principles that shape and enrich the culture of our organisation, ensuring that Ara Taiohi continues to reflect the partnerships within the people we represent in Aotearoa. Our Te Tiriti Partnership Policy
- RESOURCES | Ara Taiohi
Resources Your place to access resources and training that strengthen your youth development practice, help you support young people, and get you linked up with other amazing kaimahi in the sector. Trainings Attend an upcoming Code of Ethics or Mana Taiohi workshop as an individual or talk with us about delivering a training for your organisation. Find Out More Shop Resources Ara Taiohi has a range of publications and resources designed to guide and support those who work with young people and enhance youth engagement. Find Out More Download Resources Many of our resources are available to download free of charge - supporting youth workers and the wider sector to access tools and insights that strengthen their practice. Find Out More
- Search Korowai Tupu Members | Ara Taiohi
Our Current Members Our members are the backbone of our sector, working with young people on a daily basis. This tool allows you to explore our current membership. Search Database Siaosi Ulugia Auckland Juliet Leeming Wellington Mat Badger Wellington Paul Thompson Wellington Joanna Scott Waikato Cheryl Campbell Otago Nikki Hurst Wellington Henio Koloi Wellington Laura Hatwell Wellington Georgia Faofua Auckland Vincent Nathan Northland Philomena Sinisa Auckland Maleina Gray Canterbury Chillion Sanerivi Auckland Richard Chambers Canterbury Miranda Palmer Auckland Lauren Thorley Wellington Maxine Sweeney Marlborough Rhiannon Gibbs Auckland Jacob Gerken Southland Jo Sherwood Canterbury Lorna Gray Wellington Sharon Davis Northland Briarley Birch Northland Eleanor Pōtaka Auckland Sarah Finlay-Robinson Auckland Steph Brook Auckland Hariata Makiha Auckland Amber Hearn Auckland Eddy Davis-Rae Wellington Tania Liuagamatagi Auckland Jeanne O'Brien Manawatu-Whanganui Samuel Hansen Bay of Plenty Lisa Hann Wellington Tess Parker Auckland Rob Luisi Auckland William Mark-Brown Auckland Davy Walters Wellington Jennifer Huddlestone Otago Imogen Stone Auckland Abigail Clark Wellington Keith Robertson Waikato Emma Drake Auckland Shannon Clarke Waikato Victoria Carson Auckland Jelena Ahokava Auckland Kerryn Carson Auckland Brian Johnson Canterbury Sammi Petersen Auckland Abraham Kunin Auckland Joanne Nowak Wellington Shane Ah-You Auckland Matthew Rongo Auckland Emily Skogstad Wellington Shannan Wong Wellington Kelli Bennett Auckland Annie Phillipson Overseas Dylan Perfect-Tait Waikato Amanda Murray Canterbury Matt Renata Wellington Stephen Palmer Wellington Vicki Hawkins Auckland Matt Grey Auckland Del Crummer Auckland Debbie Houston-Tupou Wellington Tayla Taylor Canterbury Helen Perkins Auckland Diane Jerry Southland Lloyd Martin Hawke's Bay Kahu Ritchie Wellington Josephine Maireroa Auckland Brittany Webber Auckland Jeyantha Jeyseelan Auckland Saskia Walsh Nelson-Tasman Emelita Luisi Auckland Sam Te Kira Wellington Cherrill Rave Auckland Lee Huggins Wellington Grace Gillard Wellington Isabel Lemanutau Wellington Richard Bell Wellington Raelene Hoogeveen Waikato Alana Goldsack Otago Akenehe Pereira Wellington Rod Baxter Wellington Adam John Brown-Rigg Auckland Joanah Phillips Taranaki Mandy Hay Wellington Beth Gibbes Auckland Soni Kula Marlborough Reagan Kupa Waikato Stewart Irwin Wellington Karen Howieson Nelson-Tasman Jo Lane Marlborough Lisa Gatward Auckland Chloe Bisley-Wright Wellington Morgan Goodwin Auckland Emma Peek Canterbury Rosie Whaitiri Manawatu-Whanganui Charmaine Tuhaka Hawke's Bay Fiona Beals Wellington Chris Martin Canterbury Maureen Samuel Wellington Heather Blissett Wellington Briana Fleming Wellington Lauren O’Sullivan Taranaki Trystan Swain Canterbury Trey Subritzky Northland Wendy Savieti N/A Henry Pouniu Auckland Chris Efford West Coast Jessica Hedge Wellington Wesley Finau Wellington Katilin Kirk Wellington
- Whakapapa - Our History | Ara Taiohi
Korowai Tupu Whakapapa Our History Korowai Tupu was established after years of effort to recognize and promote the mana of Youth Work and youth workers. The Pathways to Professionalisation (P2P) Working Group was set up in 2012 to explore professionalizing youth work. Extensive engagement with over 600 youth workers led to the launch of Korowai Tupu. "It’s our love of young people that drew us all into this mahi. Being involved with people when they are young grows strong communities and strong citizens." Youth Work in Aotearoa Youth work in Aotearoa has a rich history, reaching beyond European settlement. Two documents that explore this context are The Ethical Practice in Traditions of Youth Development in Aotearoa, an article found on Page 10 f the Code of Ethics and Ara Taiohi’s History of Youth Work Professionalisation. The following pieces of work explored the best model for a professional association for Aotearoa and the state of the Youth Work sector in the nation: - The P2P Phase 1 Report researched existing local and international models to help define the best model for a professional association. - The P2P Youth Work Workforce Research Report summarised the size and make-up of the Youth Work sector (work experience, qualifications, paid/unpaid, full-time/part-time) - Stepping Stone is a report on the Youth Work cohort of its wider 2014 National Youth Sector Survey, which compared results against the 2006 NYWNA Real Work Report . The results of these reports, along with an extensive engagement process with youth workers across Aotearoa created the foundations for the establishment of Korowai Tupu. Naming of Korowai Tupu Our full name is Korowai Tupu o Ara Taiohi: Te Tōpūtanga o Ngā Kaimahi Whanaketanga . This translates to Korowai Tupu o Ara Taiohi: The Professional Association of Youth Workers in Aotearoa. The conceptual meaning behind our name is a cloak of growth. The key words translated here are: Korowai: Cloak (connects to Ara Taiohi whatu raranga or strategic framework) Tupu: (noun) growth, development, seedling; (verb) prosper, originate, increase; (modifier) real, genuine, ancestral Kaimahi: Worker Topūtanga: Association, collective, grouping, organisation Whanaketanga: Youth development Aotearoa: Used when working internationally Using Starfish focus groups and an online survey, we gathered thirty-six suggestions for the name and values that the name would need to embody. A subgroup of representatives from the Pathways to Professionalisation group and Ngā Kaihoe met to work through the list. Through this process, many of the suggestions were woven together into one. The suggested name then went through a process with our Kaihautu and our Māori founding members for their input. Our Process
- Feedback and Complaints | Ara Taiohi
Feedback and Complaints Accountability and Professional Practice As a member of Korowai Tupu you are accountable for your practice. We invite young people and others who engage with you as a youth worker to give us feedback about you. The feedback process (including complaints) could include: A celebration of your work with young people. Feedback to support your growth and development. A complaint where something has gone wrong. What happens if someone complains about me to Korowai Tupu? We have designed a dispute resolution process based on restorative principles consistent with our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We look to process complaints in a way that upholds and uplifts the mana of all involved. A summarised version is outlined below, or you can access information on the entire process via our Restorative Processes Information Sheet . If you have any questions about the process, please contact the Korowai Tupu Manager at korowaitupu@arataiohi.org.nz The Korowai Tupu team, and a Complaint Officer will be assigned; this person will gather the information necessary to allow the complaint to proceed. Based on this information, the Complaints Officer will triage the complaint to assess whether the complaint can proceed, considering: Is it an employment issue instead of or as well as a professional issue? If the matter is criminal in nature, should the process include the police, or be referred to the police? Any additional advice required (possibly relating to the parties’ culture(s) or context of youth work). At all stages in the process: The principles of natural justice (good faith, fair process and good reason) will be adhered to. Both parties are entitled to support and representation (including cultural support). There will always be consideration of what other processes or supports may be appropriate for the parties (this includes recognised restorative organisations, the police, other community support groups, supervision, strengths coaching, etc). The principles of the Privacy Act 2020 will be adhered to. Need to get in touch? First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!
- OUR ADVOCACY | Ara Taiohi
Our Advocacy Our advocacy is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Mana Taiohi and the Code of Ethics. We believe Te Tiriti is the foundation for a fair and flourishing Aotearoa - not only for rangatahi Māori, but for all young people. Guided by Mana Taiohi and the lived realities of young people across Aotearoa, our advocacy seeks to shape systems and policies that enable all rangatahi to thrive. Advocacy Priorities Youth Development Youth Workers To create an ecosystem that gives young people the best opportunity to thrive. To shift the dial on the perception of young people in Aotearoa To generate recognition of the importance of positive youth development approaches (particularly Mana Taiohi) within government and key policy stakeholders that is backed up by the proactive inclusion of Mana Taiohi within their policies To build structures with the public sector that enable meaningful whai wāitanga and youth participation To understand and to raise awareness of the Youth Work sector in Aotearoa. To improve youth workers’ working conditions and increase Youth Work's attractiveness as a career. To ensure the inclusion of youth workers and youth development in government policies and action plans. To achieve our vision of an empowered ecosystem of youth development, we actively engage in challenging policies and legislation that undermine Youth Work and young people’s positive youth development. Jane Zintl, Ara Taiohi CEO Recent Submissions Relationship & Sexual Eductaion in Schools We contributed to the consultation on RSE curriculum in schools, emphasising the need for clear expectations so that rangatahi can build strong understandings of personal boundaries, consent, and holistic wellbeing in a sexual context. Our Submission OT- Long Term Insights Briefing 2040 We contributed to the consultation on Oranga Tamariki’s Long Term Insights Briefing 2040, highlighting the perspective of the youth development sector. Our submission emphasised the need for long-term systems that uphold youth wellbeing. Our Submission International Covenant for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights We responded to Aotearoa New Zealand’s 5th periodic review of the ICESCR, emphasising Te Tiriti o Waitangi, youth rights, and the voices of rangatahi. Our submission called for policies that enable all young people to thrive. Our Submission
- CODE OF ETHICS | Ara Taiohi
Code of Ethics The Code of Ethics provides an agreed set of guidelines for Youth Work in Aotearoa to ensure that youth work is carried out in a safe, skilled, ethical manner. The Code of Ethics for Youth Work in Aotearoa New Zealand is designed for youth workers but is relevant to all individuals working with young people and provides guidance to keep workers and the young people they work with safe. Download Code of Ethics Buy Code of Ethics Book Purpose of the Code of Ethics Ethics are principles that are based in values. These ethics guide our behaviour. GUIDELINES AND ACCOUNTABILITY: This Code of Ethics provides an agreed set of guidelines for Youth Work in Aotearoa, to ensure that Youth Work is carried out in a safe, skilled, ethical manner. It is one of the ways youth workers hold one another accountable for our practice, and in doing so protects the credibility of Youth Work. FRAMEWORK: The Code of Ethics also provides youth workers with a frame of reference from which to develop ethical awareness, to create discussion and debate of ethical issues, and to implement good and ethical practice for both youth workers and young people. POWER AND PRIVILEGE: The Youth Work relationship is both a privileged relationship and a power relationship. While we try to minimise the power imbalance, we must acknowledge it. This is what makes ethics central to Youth Work. PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY: The Code of Ethics supports the identity of Youth Work. Many professions have Codes of Ethics. While some ethical standards will be consistent across these, the uniqueness of a profession must be encapsulated in its code of ethics if this is to truly guide behaviour. Notes In publishing the Code of Ethics, we acknowledge that this is a living document and will be reviewed regularly. This document is one aspect of developing and offering ethical practice, and should be used in conjunction with supervision, specific training and development, and an awareness of changes in our practice and wider society. The Code of Ethics is intended to be consistent with the responsibilities of Tāngata Whenua and Tāngata Tiriti, agreed to in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Ara Taiohi encourages youth workers, and those working with young people in diverse settings, to critically reflect on this version of the Code, offer feedback and continue to make suggestions for change at any time.
- Mana Taiohi Whakapapa | Ara Taiohi
Whakapapa - Mana Taiohi Here is how Mana Taiohi came to be. We acknowledge the many voices and hands who helped to shape the principles and those who continue to give them life and meaning. Context The Youth Development Principles of Aotearoa (Mana Taiohi) inform the wider ecosystem that supports young people in Aotearoa to thrive. They are the result of a review of the principles of youth development previously expressed in the Youth Development Strategy of Aotearoa (2002) Sector Engagement and Research Many threads were woven to make the Mana Taiohi framework. We embarked on a journey of engagement and review to ensure the final principles reflect the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa and the current youth development sector. The Kete Kupenga framework was used to consider the information gathered. It featured a loose diamond weave that starts simply and develops into an intricate knot where double strands meet. The four double strands feeding into the knot represent components of intersectional youth development: te Ao Māori (Māori world), taiohi (young people), kaimahi (workers: people who work with young people, including a Pacific fono) and mātauranga (knowledge, research). The knots themselves represent key points of whakapapa in those intersections such as events or publications. The space between the weave represents wairua, time and place. In order to encompass the range of contributions for the Arotake (review) of the YDSA, and to reflect calls for a kaupapa Māori and Treaty-based concept, a Māori framework was developed. Taiohi Kaimahi Te Ao Māori Pasifika fono Sector Review Literature Review The collective voices of over 1,000 young people were gathered and collated into two reports, Ngā Kōrero Hauora o Ngā Taiohi and Strengthening The Youth Development Strategy . We heard from over 600 youth development practitioners, including coming together over 10 regional hui: Kaimahi Voice - The Voice of Practitioners This report captures the voice of Ngā Kaihoe (through wānaga around the motu) with a te ao Māori lens on the principles of the YDSA: Ngā Whakaaro Ngā Kaimahi Māori A Pasifika fono reviewing the YDSA led to this report: Pasifika Review A report by the Centre for Social Impact mapped the context of the youth development ecosystem in Aotearoa: The Youth Development Ecosystem An Aotearoa-based literature review: He Arotake Tuhinga The Outcome All of the above feedback was collated and reviewed by a focus group, as well as receiving linguistic advice from a translator accredited by the Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori | Māori Language Commission. Over 100 kaimahi participated in a survey, providing feedback on the draft principles. Feedback was summarised and reported to the focus group, then designed and printed. We launched the new look principles, now referred to as Mana Taiohi, at our AGM on 22 October 2019.
- MOSAIC | Ara Taiohi
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 and/or are impacted by discriminatory views. It is a powerful, community-led response that empowers 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. Our Key Resources We have developed a suite of practical, youth-friendly resources to support youth workers in their critical mahi. These tools provide a structured and safe way to open up difficult conversations and build stronger, more resilient communities. MOSAIC Conversation Cards These cards kickstart conversations about prejudice, racism, and identity. Each card provides a thought-provoking question or prompt that encourages young people to share their stories, listen to others, and find common ground. They are a tangible resource for creating powerful, hopeful discussions. Order MOSAIC Cards Online Resources & Pathways The Mosaic website and online resources provide a central hub for deeper learning. It guides teachers, youth workers and young people toward resources, training pathways, and a supportive network. The site acts as a gateway to our tools and connects people to the broader movement of building a more peaceful and inclusive Aotearoa. Visit MOSAIC Website Practice Note: Responding to the Radicalisation of Young People This practice note provides youth workers with clear, actionable guidance on identifying and responding to the signs of radicalisation. It offers a framework grounded in positive youth development principles, equipping them to intervene early, provide support, and steer young people away from harmful ideologies. This document ensures that those on the front lines have the knowledge and confidence to protect vulnerable youth. Online Practice Note Purchase Practice Note Mosaic is a collaborative effort led by Ara Taiohi and The King's Trust New Zealand and supported by Nas, Aotearoa. We are proud to work alongside a broad network of supporters and partners who share our vision, including, and not limited to: Nas, Clare Foundation DIA PCVE Fund UNESCO Scouts NZ Rainbow Youth NZ Red Cross Shakti Baha'i, Muslim and Christian faith communities
- Youth Week Grant Application | Ara Taiohi
Youth Week Grants Applicant’s contact details Ingoa Tutahi/ First name* Ingoa Tuarua/ Last name* Waea/ Phone* As the person filling this out for your organisation, are you:* Rangatahi (under 24) Youth Adjacent (25 +) Your answer won’t affect your application Mahi/ Organisation Youth Week grants need to go through an organisation. Please tell us about the organisation applying for funding. Waea/ Phone* Wāhi Mahi/ Address* Which of these best describes your organisation? Select all that apply: * Youth Development Organisation School Swimming Pool Library Other Is this organisation or any staff members a member of Ara Taiohi? * Āe/ Yes Kao/ No Please contact me, I’d like to become a member Īmera/ Email* Your Event Name of event * Date of your event* Your event must be within Youth Week 18-24 May 2026 to be eligible for a grant Please describe your event and what do you hope to achieve (200 words)? * How are taiohi shaping this event through planning, decision-making, and/or delivery? How does their role demonstrate Whai Wāhitanga (youth agency and leadership)? * How does your event fit with the Youth Week theme ‘Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi - Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard’? * Youth Week should be inclusive and accessible to all young people. How will your event show manaakitanga by creating a welcoming, safe, and accessible space for all rangatahi, including those with diverse needs, identities, and backgrounds?* Think about physical access, sensory needs, transport, cost, cultural safety, etc. Will your Youth Week event involve one or more of the following types of physical activities. (Select all that apply to your event) * Artistic movement e.g. dance, circus arts, martial arts Cultural and Indigenous movement e.g. kapa haka, kai collection, siva afi Exercise and Fitness e.g. CrossFit/HIIT exercises, yoga, indoor rock climbing Outdoors e.g. hiking, mountain biking, ocean swim Sport for Recreation e.g. non-competitive and non-traditional sports, including surfing, skateboarding and parkour Sport e.g team sports, friendly competitions, coaching days No physical activity in our event Sport NZ contribute to the funding pool for Youth Week. This question helps us and them to understand whether your event offers opportunities for young people to be physically active. Collaboration Will you be working with, or getting support from any other organisations or services? * Budget Total estimated cost of your event: * Total amount you're applying to Ara Taiohi for (up to $1000+GST): * If you are GST registered, your GST will be added onto the amount you are requesting if successful. Example: Applying for $1,000, you will invoice $1,150. If you have any questions about GST, please email youthweek@arataiohi.org.nz Please upload a budget that includes three columns: 'Item', 'Cost', 'How it'will be funded'. * Upload File Outline all the costs of your event, and specify how you plan to fund them. If you are gaining funding or sponsorship from other sources, please include this. Terms & Conditions I agree to the terms and conditions * Agree Submit Please note - grant applications close on 15th March 2026



