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< Back Kaiparahuarahi Read the voices of our sector Kaiparahuarahi is the official journal of Youth Work in Aotearoa, providing a platform for reflection, research, and dialogue across the youth development sector. Grounded in Mana Taiohi and the values that guide youth work practice, Kaiparahuarahi shares the voices, insights, and experiences of youth workers, researchers, and rangatahi to strengthen and celebrate youth work in Aotearoa. Download Resources Previous Next

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!

Resources For Youth Workers This online library is full of helpful resources including programme planning and group activity ideas to guidance on capturing youth voice, and more. Resources are listed under each heading. Have a resource that has helped you as a youth worker but don't see it here? Get in touch - we would love to include it. Supervision and Support Healthy youth workers are those who are supported to navigate the diverse challenges of their role. Supervision is a great place to start. EXPLORE OUR SUPERVISOR DATABASE Programme Planning and Facilitation Planning a weekly youth programme or looking for new icebreakers to use at your next workshop? Here are some online resources we have found helpful. - Access 100s of icebreaker, team building, and group activity ideas on Playmeo One of the best things about Playmeo is that you can search by activity type and group size to make your life easier. (Note that there is a paid version but plenty of the activity descriptions are free) - St John Youth have compiled some fantastic icebreakers. - More icebreakers and team activities from Erin Walton Youth Voice and Engagement Whai Wāhitanga is one of our Mana Taiohi principles and but while authentic youth engagement is extremely important, it can sometimes be hard to know where to start. - The Ministry of Youth Development has extensive resources, tools, and reports on how to engage youth voices. - The USA- based ACT for Youth website has some great research and tools for meaningful youth engagement that can be relevant to New Zealand youth workers. Get Qualified There are different pathways to becoming a qualified youth worker here and developing your career in youth development here in Aotearoa. Check out these courses and certifications. Trainings Click here to find out about our upcoming Code of Ethics and Mana Taiohi trainings. Resources to awhina young people Click here to access helpful resources for your young people including crisis helplines. Shop Resources Click here to view our youth development resources including our publication and MOSAIC cards.

Youth Week Aotearoa is a better place because of young people! Youth Week is a nationwide campaign that celebrates this! It brings us all together to recognise the value, awesomeness, and impact of rangatahi, and to champion a society that supports young people to thrive. TARINGA WHAKARONGO! KI TE REO O NGĀ TAIOHI OUR VOIECS MATTER! WE DESERVE TO BE HEARD 18.05.25 - 24.05.26 Celebrating Rangatahi Youth Week is all about celebrating everything that young people contribute to Aotearoa - just by being themselves. Too often, the amazing things young people bring to our communities go unnoticed - Youth Week aims to change that! Youth Week is for everyone. It’s about noticing and valuing the ways young people shape our hapori and world around us. Joining in the celebration means honouring the mana and energy they bring to the world. This year, our focus is all about making sure youth voices are heard. ‘Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to Be Heard’ is a chance for rangatahi to share themselves in the ways that feel right to them - through kōrero, creativity, culture, leadership, and everyday actions. We cannot wait to see how you all interpret the theme! Why celebrate? One in six kiwis are aged between 12-24 - they are our emerging workforce, creators, innovators and leaders Youth-Led Events Planning an amazing event Read More Youth Week, Your Way Youth Week resources for Rangatahi View More Standing with Rangatahi Celebrate the young people in your life View More The 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. More details

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 Research Academic research that has informed our kaupapa The research shared here informs and strengthens our kaupapa - helping us understand what supports young people to thrive, what effective youth development looks like in practice, and how the youth sector can continue to grow its impact across Aotearoa. Download Resources Previous Next

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

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

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

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

Kaiparahuarahi - Understanding identities through intersectionality Download Kaiparahuarahi - Whai Wāhitanga: Rediscovering the Future of Youth Partipation Download Kaiparahuarahi - COVID Download Kaiparahuarahi - Trailblazers Download Kaiparahuarahi - The Stars that Guide Us (INVOLVE 2023) Download Kaiparahuarahi - Defining Youth Work Download Kaiparahuarahi - Mana Taiohi Download

Keith Shaw he/ him I'm a proud South Islander and have been CEO of the Y Central South Island (formerly YMCA South and Mid Canterbury), based in Timaru, for the past 15 years. My wife and I have four adult children, but ultimately I became connected to youth work through my connection in leading the Y. Previously I was employed in the finance sector, working throughout New Zealand, Singapore and Melbourne, before returning with my family to South Canterbury. I love working alongside people, empowering them to reach their full potential. The whakataukī “Whakamana takata, whakamana taiohi | Through empowering the mana of people, we empower the mana of youth” resonating strongly with me. I was co-opted on to the Ara Taiohi Board in 2024 and am passionate about contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand’s peak body to do more. Whilst I bring a wealth of finance and governance experience to the organisation, I am most at home learning from others and from taiohi that I meet and engage with in my daily life.