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Annual Reports There is so much to celebrate and be inspired by in the youth development sector. Click the links below to read about our amazing kaimahi, rōpū, and members' achievements. 2024 - 2025 Report Our 2024–2025 Annual Report is out now - celebrating a year of connection, growth, and impact in the youth development sector. 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019

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

Bethany Walters Operations Manager She/ Her Ko Monadh Liath tōku maunga Ko Uisge Spè tōku awa Ko Baile Ùr an t-Slèibh tōku papa kāinga Ko McDonald tōku iwi I whānau mai au i Ingarangi Nō Ingarangi, Kōtirangi, me Wēra ōku tūpuna I haere au ki Aotearoa i taku taiohitanga Ko Te Mata o Rongokako te maunga e ru nei taku ngākau Ko Tukituki te awa e mahea nei aku maharahara He Tangata Tiriti ahau Ko Walters tōku whānau Ko Bethany Walters tōku ingoa I grew up in youth development with my parents so it seemed inevitable I would work in this incredible sector! I love creating systems and environments that enable our team to work effectively for the youth community. Beyond mahi, I study psychotherapy and enjoy painting, singing and time with my iramutu and kararehe. Connectedness, Input, Learner, Responsibility, Individualisation Get in touch to discuss Ara Taiohi membership, organisational development, volunteering with Ara Taiohi, sector sustainability Contact bethany.walters@arataiohi.org.nz

Te Ao Taiohi With young people we explore Te Ao, understanding their holistic world and the dynamics that impact this. Te Ao Taiohi is impacted by big picture influences such as social and economic contexts and dominant cultural values. It includes Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the effects of colonisation in Aotearoa, local, national and international legislation and policy that impacts young people.  Awareness of Te Ao Taiohi ensures actions are not judged purely on the surface, but with an understanding of systemic influences that affect young people.  Young people are supported to engage with the dynamics in their changing world. Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohauni To Ao: Afghanistan to Aotearoa: A Journey from Guild to Gratitude In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Bilal Nasier explores the concept of Te Ao. Read Kaiparahuarahi Kōrero Cafe: Bilal & Te Ao Te Ao and the Code of Ethics 10. Ngā Tikanga | Rights and Responsiblities 11. Ā-Ipurangi | Youth Work Online 12. Mana Taurite | Equity 13. Mata Huhua | Diversity Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

Qualifications Check out these youth work and youth development courses and institutions in Aotearoa. Praxis, WelTec and University of Canterbury are Korowai Tupu endorsed providers. Graduates with any of the following diplomas or degrees from these institutions automatically meet the Korowai Tupu Core Competency entry requirements. Providers To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Becoming a Korowai Tupu Member Interested in Joining? We’d love to kōrero! Please email the team at korowaitupu@arataiohi.org.nz who can connect with you by email, phone or online as required. Who can apply to Korowai Tupu? Korowai Tupu is for youth workers who are already working alongside young people and who view Youth Work as their professional identity. Korowai Tupu is not an education pathway, so it is not the avenue for starting a Youth Work career: individuals entering the field are encouraged to gain some experience or undergo a formal qualification before applying to Korowai Tupu. What do you need to apply to Korowai Tupu? To apply to Korowai Tupu, you need to be able to pass certain criteria and show evidence of your Youth Work understanding and practice. We encourage anyone with previous Youth Work experience or qualifications in youth development or Youth Work to apply. A complete application to Korowai Tupu includes: Undergoing a police vet*, including suppling two forms of ID Provision of references from a supervisor/ manager AND a young person you have worked with, who can speak to how you practice Youth Work An up-to-date CV Copies of any qualifications, professional development or training you have completed that is relevant to your Youth Work practice Responses to each of the Core Competencies for Youth Work which outline your understanding and application of Youth Work; these can be provided in writing or as video/ audio uploads. There are prompts and key questions to help you give comprehensive responses. Once your application has been confirmed as complete, it is assessed by the Korowai Tupu team to determine if you meet the standards of entry to the professional association. *Please note that outcomes of the check don’t necessarily determine eligibility. Where there are any concerns regarding the results of your police check we will contact you to discuss this and what options there are moving forward. If you are aware your police check will reveal convictions and would like to provide additional information about your police check and/or your journey since any conviction received please note it in your application. Who will assess my application? Decisions are made by a Korowai Tupu assessor, who are individuals with strong Youth Work experience and leadership in cultural competency particularly te ao Māori. Assessors are members of Korowai Tupu who work to ensure an inclusive, fair and efficient membership process for Korowai Tupu. Assessors cross-check their application decisions annually to ensure there is consistency in our decision-making. What about qualifications? If you can provide evidence that you have completed one of the following courses after 2018, then we can fast track your application! The Weltec-Whitireia Bachelor or Youth Development The Praxis Diploma of Youth Work Applying outside Aotearoa? No, as a New Zealand-based professional association, we can only accept applications from youth workers living in Aotearoa. If a person becomes a Korowai Tupu Member whilst living in Aotearoa but then moves overseas, they can choose whether to maintain their membership whilst living abroad. What are the fees? There is a one-off application fee of $90 (plus GST). This is charged at the beginning of your application process. If you do not complete your application and later wish to reapply, a new application fee will be charged. Korowai Tupu Members are charged an annual fee, based on their employment status: Full-time (30+ hours): $150 (plus GST) Part-time (less than 30 hours): $90 (plus GST) Volunteer or Student: $75 (plus GST) The annual renewal date is 1 July for membership fees. If you sign up during the year, you pay a percentage according to a pro-rated payment system until you are aligned with the renewal date. Who pays my fees? This is for you to determine alongside any organisations where you serve as a youth worker – whether paid or voluntarily. Currently, approximately half of active Korowai Tupu Members have their fees paid by their workplace, with the remaining half paying their fees directly. If your paid mahi is Youth Work (or closely aligned) we encourage you to chat with your employer to determine if they will cover the application and annual fees. If Korowai Tupu membership is an expectation of your employer, then it would be expected that the organisation cover these costs.

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

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.

Our Board Meet the Ara Taiohi Board – a group of passionate, experienced leaders from across Aotearoa who help guide and support our mahi. They bring a wide range of skills, perspectives, and lived experiences, all with a shared commitment to the wellbeing of rangatahi. The Board keeps us focused on what matters most: supporting the youth development sector and staying connected to the needs of young people. RANIERA PENE KAIHAUTŪ About Raniera ATARAU HAMILTON BOARD MEMBER About Atarau CHILLION SANERIVI BOARD CO-CHAIR About Chillion ANYA SATYANAND BOARD MEMBER About Anya KEITH SHAW FARC CHAIR About Keith MOANA MATAUTIA-TEPANIA BOARD MEMBER About Mo ZOE FINDLAY BOARD MEMBER About Zoe

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

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

Dayna Carter Events She/ Her Ko Ruapehu tōku maunga Ko Whanganui tōku awa Ko Aotea me Kurahaupo ōku waka Ko Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi me Ngāti Apa ōku iwi Nō Whanganui ahau, engari e no ana au i te Whanganui-a-Tara. Ko Dayna tōku ingoa I'm Dayna and I am the kaitiaki of events for Ara Taiohi. I have a deep passion for supporting our sector and do that in the events space. Creating experiential spaces is my vibe and jam! Outside of mahi I love spending quality time with my two daughters, my partner, my two doggies and being deep in nature. Get in touch to discuss Anything regarding Youth Week which is a campaign and national festival of events organised by young people to celebrate the talents, passions and success of young people. Also anything regarding INVOLVE, which is the national conference for youth development. INVOLVE is a chance for the youth sector to gather, connect, learn, laugh and 'be' together. Contact dayna.carter@arataiohi.org.nz