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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

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.

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

Hononga Taiohi With young people we understand hononga, identify and strengthen connections. Hononga is about joining and connection.  Linked to whakapapa, it is about connection to people, land/whenua, resources, spirituality, the digital world and the environment. When we understand hononga we recognise all the connected relationships in a young person’s world (whānau, peers, school, the community), and the places and spaces that support these. Young people are supported to identify and strengthen these connections. Strengthening hononga also means recognising the connection between the wellbeing of young people and the wellbeing of their social and natural environment. Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohanui Hononga: Identify and Strengthen Connections In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Fati Tagoai explores the concept of Hononga. Read Here Kōrero Cafe: Hononga Hononga and the Code of Ethics 8. Tūhonotanga | Connectedness 9. Mahitahi | Collaboration Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

Atarau Hamilton he/ him I see Ara Taiohi as a vital force in advocating for the youth sector and strengthening the impact of Mana Taiohi in practice. My hope is to see a sector where all youth workers are well-supported, connected, and equipped to foster the wellbeing and potential of rangatahi. By embedding Mana Taiohi into every level of youth work, we can ensure that young people are at the center of decision-making, and that our sector continues to grow in strength, equity, and sustainability.

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!

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

Who We Are 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. Our Board Our Board provides strong leadership and strategic guidance, ensuring our work remains impactful and aligned with our mission to support young people. Meet the leaders who support and guide our mahi, ensuring we continue to make a lasting difference. Our Members 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. Our Team Our team is a passionate group of individuals dedicated to empowering the youth sector and driving meaningful change. Meet the people behind our mahi—each bringing their unique skills, insights, and energy to our mission. Ngā Kaihoe Ngā Kaihoe is the national network of Māori kaimahi. We create space to connect and share youth sector insights and experiences from an indigenous perspective. Funders To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

< 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

Whakapapa Taiohi With young people we understand and affirm their whakapapa, exploring how genealogies and heritage connect to their sense of identity and belonging. Whakapapa includes the genealogies and stories of descendants and their connection to whenua (land) for all cultures. It acknowledges our shared histories and the impact of colonisation in Aotearoa. Acknowledging the whakapapa of young people means, in their own way and in their own time, exploring how these histories influence their lives right now. Young people are supported to embrace the journey to find their tūrangawaewae, their place to stand. Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohauni Whakapapa In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Nikki Hurst and Annabel Prescott explore the concept of whakapapa and how the whakapapa of young people impacts on youth work Read Kaiparahuarahi Kōrero Cafe: Whakapapa Whakapapa and the Code of Ethics 6. Ko Au, Ko Koe. Ko Tātou 7. Te Whakapapa o Aotearoa | Understanding Aotearoa Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

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.