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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!

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!

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

Manaakitanga With young people we uphold and extend manaakitanga through reciprocal respect and care Manaakitanga is expressing kindness and respect for others, emphasising responsibility and reciprocity. It creates accountability for those who care for young people, relationally or systemically. When we uphold and extend manaakitanga from a distance, safeguarding collective wellbeing includes adequate resources and training for people who work with young people. Young people who experience strong manaaki have a safe and empowering space, and feel accepted, included and valued. Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohauni Manaakitanga 101 In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Sharon Davis explores the concept of Manaakitanga. Read Kaiparahuarahi Kōrero Cafe: Manaakitanga Manaakitanga and the Code of Ethics 18. Kia Āroa | Self - Awareness 19. Āu Ake Whāinga | Personal Agendas 20. Haumaru | Safety Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

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. 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 quality relationships. Manaakitanga with young people we uphold and extend manaakitanga, nourishing collective. wellbeing Whai Wāhitanga acknowledging mana, whai wāhitanga recognises young people as valued contributors to society, giving them space to participate, assume agency and take responsibility. Mātauranga with young people we are empowered by rich and diverse mātauranga, informed by good information. Learn More Mana Taiohi Whakapapa Mana Taiohi Resources Mana Taiohi Training

Whai Wāhitanga Whai wāhitanga recognises young people as valued contributions to society, creating space for participation, agency and responsibility. Mana is the authority we inherit at birth and we accrue over our lifetime. It determines the right of a young person to have agency in their lives and the decisions that affect them.  It acknowledges self-determination, empowered citizenship and authentic learning. From this flows whai wāhitanga, participation. We enable young people to be empowered to participate when we allow all young people to navigate and participate in the world, rather than privileging the voices of a few. Young people are supported to choose their level of engagement in decisions that affect them. Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohauni Whai Wāhtanga: Youth Participation in Aotearoa - Before 2020 and Beyond In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Sarah Finlay-Robinson, Rod Baxter, and Hannah Dunlop explore the whakapapa of youth participation in Aotearoa with insights from their experiences. Read Kaiparahuarahi Kōrero Cafe: Whai Wāhitanga Whai Wāhitanga and the Code of Ethics 21. Whakamana | Empowerment Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

Resources To Awhiana Young People A collection of helpful resources designed to support young people in navigating challenges, building skills, and finding opportunities. Mental Health and Crisis Youthline Website Free 24/7 call 0800 376 633 Free 24/7 text 234 Suicide Crisis Helpline Website Free 24/7 call 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865) Webchat is also available Depression Helpline Website Free 24/7 call 0800 111 757 or free 24/7 text 4202 The Lowdown Website 123-456-7890 Full list of New Zealand Helplines from the Mental Health Foundation Website 123-456-7890 What's Up Website Fee call 0800 942 8787 Mon-Sun 11am-11pm Rainbow Rainbow Youth Website Sexual Health Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa Website Healthline Speak to a nurse anytime for free at 0800 611 116 Housing Lifewise Website Youth Service Ratonga Taiohi Website Making Space Website Careers and Future Planning Te Tahi Employment Support Website Careers NZ Website Skills to Career Tool Website First Aid Course Red Cross Website First Aid Course St John's Ambulance Website Drivers' License NZTA Website Legal Support Free Legal Advice at Youth Law Website Free call 0800 UTHLAW(884529) Youth Employment Rights FAQ Website Free call 0800 UTHLAW(884529) Financial Assistance Work and Income Youth Payment Website StudyLink Website

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 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

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.

Mauri (o te taiohi) We acknowledge the mauri, the inherent life spark and potential of young people, by supporting the development of their identity. Mauri is the life spark inherent in all young people.  It includes their values, beliefs, skills, and talents.  Fuelling that life spark means young people are seen, recognised and valued for who they are.  Young people are supported to follow their interests and passions and to actively construct their own identity.  Linked to their whakapapa, when their mauri is secure/solid, young people stand in their own truth. Mauri mahi, mauri ora - A working soul is a healthy soul Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohauni Mauri Identity Life Spark In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Dr Sue Bagshaw, explores the concept of Mauri. Sue is a youth worker with a medical degree who was awarded a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her amazing work. Read Kaiparahuarahi Kōrero Cafe: Mana, Mauri & Matekino Mauri and the Code of Ethics Hononga Matua | Primary Relationship Whanonga Matatika | Behaviour Covered by the Code Iho Pūmanawa | Strengths-Based Ngākau Pono | Integrity Whakaaetanga Matatika | Informed Consent Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

Mātauranga With young people, we are empowered by rich and diverse mātauranga that encompasses good knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Mātauranga refers to knowledge, wisdom, understanding and skill. It includes research, individual experience, customary and cultural knowledge, and the beliefs and ideals held by young people and their whānau. Good information is useful, timely, meaningful, honours indigenous thinking, evidence based and translated for the recipient to reflect on. We can strengthen mātauranga by weaving together these different forms of knowledge and making them relevant to the decisions facing young people and their whānau. Being empowered by rich and diverse mātauranga informs both young people and people who work with young people towards personal growth. Young people actively participate in making meaning of information and are supported to holistically make positive choices for them, and their whānau. People who work with young people are supported to actively reflect on their relationships and practice Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohauni Mātauranga in Practice: Kaupapa Māori Frameworks in Ngā Tikanga Whānaketanga – He Arotake Tuhinga In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, Dr Kelsey Deane, and Hilary Dutton explore the concept of Mātauranga. Read Kaiparahuarahi Kōrero Cafe: Mātauranga Māturang and the Code of Ethics 22. Kaitiakitanga | Supervision 23. Te Rangahau Me Te Arotake | Research and Evaluation 24. Te Whakapakari Me Te Aro | Professional Development Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.