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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!

Accessible Event Toolkit We are excited to gift this resource to the sector and wider community to ensure that all young people are able to participate and celebrate Youth Week with us. Many thanks to our friends at Deaf Aotearoa for helping us to create this toolkit. We acknowledge that some of these considerations could include a considerable cost and this means that not every event can achieve every point. Our hope is that this toolkit becomes the primary way you plan, prepare, connect and resource your future events. What's an accessible events Ensuring all people are equally able to participate in events including the cultural aspects, networking, attending meetings/conferences and social components. Hosting accessible events provide for a wider range of people to participate and benefit from the events. In this way greater perspectives can be gained. Access for people with disabilities is not only about physical access to buildings for wheelchair users, but also includes access to written information for people with vision impairments and access to public announcements for Deaf people. How can we achieve accessible events? The aim: Apply the Universal Design Principles as a guide or format to host accessible events. These principles integrate various mobility and informative needs. A key aspect incorporates decision making of disabled people from the start. Full accessibility means all people are treated with respect and can maintain their dignity, gaining and offering as much from the gathering as anybody else. Reasonable adjustments to the event are required to be made to ensure accessibility for all. It is essential to consider how the individuals are informed to fully equip people to participate. Easy access information provided to meet disabled people’s needs is a priority, this can be completed in several ways including: A range of marketing with: large clear print audio braille communication systems, video with audio and subtitles/sign language (NZSL). Accessible websites should be provided by communicating with disabled people or disabled organisations to identify specific needs. Event Checklist Download the toolkit in word format Invitation: Use plain language, simple fonts, word format and include in emails, easy read options, assessable venue, and assessable events. Registration: If unsure of a request personally contact the person to discuss specifics. Have an educated welcoming person at the front door to direct people, offer a lowered area and a seat at the registration desk. Transport: Check to see what else the attendee might need and arrange assessable (wheelchair hoist) transport as needed in advance. If possible, arrange for taxi vouchers to be sent to people prior to the event. Parking, ensuring accessible car parking spaces available close to the front door. Signage: Clear signage is essential (event sessions, parking spaces, refreshments, meals, toilets, exits, and other facilities). Consider tactile, visual and audio signage, large print, easy to read and symbols. Venue/facilities: Appropriately sized room for amount of people, easy manoeuvrability for wheelchair users, assessable toilets. Check service dogs are welcome and identify areas where service dogs can be toileted. Check acoustics and set up loop system. Book sign language interpreters (including in Te Reo Māori). Catering: Dietary requirements, staff assistance provided as needed- carrying plates/ serving and serving area at height accessibility. Tables set up for eating and straws available for use. Water for assistance dogs should be checked. Room set up: Lighting should be bright enough for people to see interpreters without harsh or strong lightening for people with visual impairments. Ensure seats and space for wheelchair users. Consider a quiet room or space for those with heightened sensitivity. Documentation: Available in accessible formats including pre-reading and info packs. All documents in plain language using dark text on plain or light-coloured background with size 12 font. Note takers as requested on registration form. Presentation/Stage access: Ramp accessibility, space for wheelchairs to turn, sign language interpreters, and PowerPoint presentations available, big screens used to clearly view presentation, and plain language used. Sound systems with microphones. Reserve seating at the front for people using sign language interpreters. Timeframes reviewed, ensure enough time for breaks, and consider the speed of the presentation. Evaluation/closing: Evaluation to include a section about the accessibility of the event and closing should be done in culturally appropriate manner. Other considerations: Question of personal support, awareness, and review of allergies or those sensitive to soaps or smells etc, and emergency evacuations examined. When hosting an accessible event, full participation, and enablement of everyone attending the event is a necessity and should be considered. Hospitality involves inclusion of all people and cultural rights being honoured and respected

Youth Week Youth Week is a nation wide campaign festival of events created and driven by young people, highlighting their leadership, creativity and contributions across Aotearoa. It provides opportunities for rangatahi to design, deliver and celebrate events that strengthen community connections and positive futures. - Youth Week 2026 - THEME COMING SOON Grants for your Youth Week event Youth Week grants open December 8th! Ara Taiohi offers funding for youth led Youth Week events up to the value of $1,000 + GST. Thank you to the generosity of our funders, the Ministry of Youth Development and Ihi Aotearoa Sport NZ. 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Mana Taiohi and Active Recreation A case study Working together Ara Taiohi and Ihi Aotearoa - Sport NZ use the Mana Taiohi principles to develop the Active Recreation for Rangatahi Plan. Both organisations share a deep commitment to supporting the wellbeing of rangatahi in Aotearoa. We know that being physically active and participating in positive youth development programmes that are informed by Te Ao Māori increases young people’s wellbeing. The Sport NZ/Ara Taiohi partnership has allowed us to explore the potential of weaving these ingredients together and the positive impact this can have on young people. Sport NZ's Active Recreation for Rangatahi Plan Practical ways to embed Mana Taiohi Programme Report Mana Taiohi Champions A key focus of the case study was to support Mana Taiohi Champions in Regional Sports Trusts around the motu. Learn more about the expierence of the Mana Taiohi Champions and how their organisations use Mana Taiohi Active Southland Sport Waitākere Nuku Ora Whiti Ora Taiāwhiti Sport Tasman Key Learnings Individual champions need to be supported within their organisation Practical tools and resources are needed to support the Champions and the wider team External support, particularly working with others in the youth development sector, improves outcomes Mana Taiohi in action, particularly encouraging whai wāhitanga, strengthens buy-in to the programme Mana Taiohi Champions Tohu This tohu, designed by the talented Tokarārangi Poa, reflects the journey that the Champions engage in throughout this mahi, as they grow and learn about the Mana Taiohi kaupapa. The eight rākau in the logo represent the eight principles of Mana Taiohi and the taiaha in the middle represents the champions. The rākau and taiaha represent the journey from becoming novices to champions, from wielding rākau to wielding taiaha Additional Resources Sport NZ Youth Development Reflection Tool Sport NZ Mana Taiohi and Youth Voice Co-designing with Rangatahi Youth Voices in Governance Active Southland Leadership Programme Youth Voice in Active Recreation Article in Kaiparahuarahi (Vol 2, No 1.)

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