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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

Our Commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi Our commitment At Ara Taiohi, we are committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation of our work with and for taiohi across Aotearoa. Guided by tikanga and matauranga Māori, Te Tiriti is woven through every aspect of our governance, management, and practice. We honour Te Tiriti by drawing on Māori conceptual principles that shape and enrich the culture of our organisation, ensuring that Ara Taiohi continues to reflect the partnerships within the people we represent in Aotearoa. Our Te Tiriti Partnership Policy

Code of Ethics Download

Core Competencies In 2023, Korowai Tupu updated to ten Core Competencies for Youth Work to reflect Mana Taiohi. Developed through sector-wide agreement, this first iteration was grounded in the principles of Aotearoa's Youth Development Strategy. These competencies have since informed qualifications development and continue to shape positive youth development in Aotearoa, with a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Based on sector feedback, we require members of Korowai Tupu to demonstrate core competencies. We assess their youth development experience, qualifications, and practice. Our assessors review all ten competencies, gathering evidence of the applicant’s understanding and skills. The Core Competencies of Youth Work 1 / Demonstrates An Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi Including bicultural partnerships and the values and aspirations of iwi Māori and non-Māori 2 / Whakamana Taiohi Works in a strengths-based approach to whakamana taiohi –demonstrates their understanding of working from a strengths-based approach; to build on strength, respond to need and foster growth 3 / Acknowledging Mauri Demonstrates understanding of the context of young people in Aotearoa 4 / Whakapapa: Ko Wai Au, Ko Wai Koe, Ko Wai Tātou Demonstrates the importance of supporting the development of identity in young people 5 / Te Ao: The World We Are In Demonstrates understanding of the context of youth work – the history, role, and practice of youth work 6 / Explores Hononga Identifying and strengthening connectedness – to build, strengthen or restore a young person’s connectedness to their key social environments 7 / Prioritise Whanaungatanga Demonstrates their understanding of building quality relationships, creating a supportive environment, connecting and working inclusively with young people from diverse backgrounds and cultures 8 / Upholds and Extends Manaakitanga Caring for young people, ensuring their holistic safety and demonstrating their understanding of ensuring the safety and well-being of young people 9 / Practices Whai Wāhitanga Creating space for youth participation – demonstrates their understanding of facilitating youth participation to actively engage and involve and empower young people 10 / Informed By Rich And Diverse Mātauranga Youth workers are reflective practitioners – demonstrate an understanding of being a reflective youth work practitioner, using supervision and other tools to ensure their practice is healthy and developing. Korowai Tupu Membership In the Korowai Tupu application, you’ll need to provide examples of your work with young people, colleagues, and your employer, as well as your knowledge of youth development, ethics, and professional growth, to show an understanding around Youth Work knowledge and practice. Become a professional member and take your professional practice to the next level. Start Membership Application Transforming Practice After attaining membership, Korowai Tupu members are expected to engage in transforming practice activities regularly to keep our core competencies alive. Transforming practice includes ongoing professional development, training, conferences, workshops that you attend or facilitate, supervision, reading, intentional networking, reflection on actual experiences with young people, and other innovative activities. Measuring and recording this each year is not about compliance; rather, transforming practice gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on our learning from the previous year, it reminds us how we’re continually evolving, ensuring our profession remains dynamic and responsive to young people. All current Korowai Tupu members will receive a form to fill out each year that reflects on their transforming practice activities. We encourage you to keep track of these items throughout the year so we can collate a full picture of your investment in your practice. As a sector, we’re deeply invested in education and training and bringing people together to share learnings and growth. Got questions? Get in touch so we can start working together. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

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.

Our Partnerships We work in partnership with youth development organisations and community groups across Aotearoa to create opportunities for both youth workers and rangatahi. Through collaboration, we strengthen the sector, share expertise, and support initiatives that help young people to thrive Te Ngākau Kahukura Held in partnership with rainbow communities, Te Ngākau Kahukura is a rainbow-led initiative that works for an Aotearoa where rainbow people grow up feeling safe, valued and like they belong in the places where they live, learn and access healthcare and social support. Pou Pasifika Held in partnership with Ola Le Ola AotearoaPou Pasifika is a national Pasifika-led initiative in Aotearoa co-designed by and for Pasifika youth development workers and practitioners. It champions their identity and expertise, strengthens their wellbeing, supports professional practice through a Pasifika lens, and connects them locally and nationally so that young Pasifika can flourish.

MOSAIC Practice Note Download

Our Vision and Goals Our Vision An empowered ecosystem of youth development, where rangatahi thrive. Tūruapō He taiao whakapūmau whakawhanake taiohi, e pūāwai mai ai a rangatahi. Strategic Direction 2024-2030 Ara Taiohi weaves within our sector as a partner, an advocate and a resource for those who dedicate their lives to journeying with taiohi. 2024-2030 Full Strategy Our Goals The following goals outline our strategic direction for the coming years as we continue to uphold the mana of young people in Aotearoa, support those who work with rangatahi, and champion positive change in the sector. Connect The Sector by weaving networks of support, understanding and collaboration. Over the next 6 years, we aim to: > Provide opportunities for intentional engagement across the motu > Codesign equitable solutions for diverse communities within the sector > Paint a clearer picture of the sector at large > Build deeper relationships and connections with existing and developing networks/communities > Foster a sense of belonging where the sector all see themselves as part of Ara Taiohi Raise The Standards and accountability by embracing learning, innovation, and continuous improvement. Over the next 6 years, we aim to: > Continue to create and grow accessible and relevant trainings and resources in person and online > Curate evidence-based mātauranga that further informs policy and practice > Strengthen cohesive workforce development structures and improvement plans – quality > Affirm and advance the professional identity of Youth Work Champion Youth Development by advocating for the rights, needs and potential of rangatahi and our sector. Over the next 6 years, we aim to: > Build influence in order to speak on systemic issues affecting rangatahi, the youth development workforce and the youth sector > Shift the dial on the perception of young people in Aotearoa > Clarify and promote the value of youth development, Youth Work, and Mana Taiohi > Build understanding and implementation of Mana Taiohi systemically > Invest in the relationships and structures that build capacity for Whai Wāhitanga across society Promote Sustainability by nurturing environments for the sector to thrive. Over the next 6 years, we aim to: > Tell the story of the sector’s whakapapa and pūrakau to strengthen our turangawaewae > Embed a collective commitment to Te Tiriti for youth development, under the guidance of/ informed by Ngā Kaihoe > Continue to grow internal infrastructure for longevity > Advocate for the state of Youth Work, its impact and the need for appropriate investment > Promote care for te taiao within our communities

Career as a Youth Worker Youth Work is more than just a job—it’s a commitment to empower and uplift young people in Aotearoa. As youth workers, we play a vital role in supporting rangatahi to navigate challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. A career as a youth worker is rooted in relationships, advocacy, and positive youth development. Whether you’re working in youth organisations, schools, health services, or justice settings, Youth Work is about walking alongside young people, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld. If you’re passionate about making a difference, explore the pathways, qualifications, and professional development opportunities available to help you thrive in this rewarding field. Qualifications Details of recognised Youth Work qualifications. Supervision Supervision provides youth workers with a safe place to reflect on professional development, personal support, organisational and practice issues. Code of Ethics An agreed set of guidelines for Youth Work in Aotearoa to ensure that youth work is carried out in a safe, skilled, ethical manner. Professional Development Staying informed, responsive, and equipped with the skills needed to support young people in a constantly changing world. Korowai Tupu 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. Read More

Group Membership 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. Join Ara Taiohi as a Group Member Thank you for your application to join Ara Taiohi! We're really excited to have you join our ever expanding community that welcomes and supports everyone with a passion for Youth Work and youth development. Organisational Details Which type of membership are you applying for?* TINY (1-2 FTE working directly with young people) SMALL (3-7 FTE working directly with young people) MEDIUM (8-17 7FTE working directly with young people) LARGE (18+ FTE working directly with young people) Legal Name * Trading name (if different from legal name) Website Please ensure your entry starts with https:// Physical Address Multi-line address Country/Region Address City Zip / Postal code Postal Address (if different from above) Multi-line address Country/Region Address City Zip / Postal code Which regions does your organisation work in? Organisation description Please provide us with one to two sentences about your organisation that we can use to promote you on our website. Primary Context Please enter the following details about the main contact person for your organisation. First name Last name Job Title Email Phone Cell Phone Opt out of fees? Do you wish to opt out of fees for this financial year? We wish to pay fees for this financial year. Please send us an invoice. We wish to opt out of fees for this financial year. Submit

Our Current Members Our members are the backbone of our sector, working with young people on a daily basis. This tool allows you to explore our current membership. Search Database Chillion Sanerivi Auckland Jo Lane Marlborough Brian Johnson Canterbury Hariata Makiha Auckland Abraham Kunin Auckland Alana Goldsack Otago Lloyd Martin Hawke's Bay Kelli Bennett Auckland Shane Ah-You Auckland Grace Gillard Wellington Kahu Ritchie Wellington Matt Renata Wellington Juliet Leeming Wellington Lisa Gatward Auckland Shannan Wong Wellington Jacob Gerken Southland Emily Skogstad Wellington Lee Huggins Wellington Cheryl Campbell Otago Maleina Gray Canterbury Saskia Walsh Nelson-Tasman Lauren Thorley Wellington Reagan Kupa Waikato Emma Peek Canterbury Richard Bell Wellington Isabel Lemanutau Wellington Charmaine Tuhaka Hawke's Bay Cherrill Rave Auckland Debbie Houston-Tupou Wellington Sam Te Kira Wellington Rosie Whaitiri Manawatu-Whanganui Mat Badger Wellington Fiona Beals Wellington Emelita Luisi Auckland Raelene Hoogeveen Waikato Chris Martin Canterbury Rob Luisi Auckland Sarah Finlay-Robinson Auckland Heather Blissett Wellington Georgia Faofua Auckland Beth Gibbes Auckland Jeyantha Jeyseelan Auckland Siaosi Ulugia Auckland Morgan Goodwin Auckland Rod Baxter Wellington Del Crummer Auckland Karen Howieson Nelson-Tasman Akenehe Pereira Wellington Henio Koloi Wellington Philomena Sinisa Auckland Soni Kula Marlborough Jo Sherwood Canterbury Tania Liuagamatagi Auckland Helen Perkins Auckland Lisa Hann Wellington Joanna Scott Waikato Mandy Hay Wellington Amber Hearn Auckland Annie Phillipson Overseas Richard Chambers Canterbury Diane Jerry Southland Josephine Maireroa Auckland Eddy Davis-Rae Wellington Vicki Hawkins Auckland Stewart Irwin Wellington Tayla Taylor Canterbury Nikki Hurst Wellington Matt Grey Auckland Brittany Webber Auckland Adam John Brown-Rigg Auckland Maureen Samuel Wellington Laura Hatwell Wellington Chloe Bisley-Wright Wellington Dylan Perfect-Tait Waikato Joanah Phillips Taranaki Lorna Gray Wellington Chris Efford West Coast Davy Walters Wellington Wendy Savieti N/A Eleanor Pōtaka Auckland Henry Pouniu Auckland Imogen Stone Auckland Abigail Clark Wellington Tess Parker Auckland Samuel Hansen Bay of Plenty Vincent Nathan Northland Sharon Davis Northland Jennifer Huddlestone Otago Rhiannon Gibbs Auckland Keith Robertson Waikato Emma Drake Auckland Victoria Carson Auckland Jelena Ahokava Auckland Sammi Petersen Auckland Joanne Nowak Wellington Matthew Rongo Auckland Trey Subritzky Northland Trystan Swain Canterbury Lauren O’Sullivan Taranaki Katilin Kirk Wellington Jessica Hedge Wellington Wesley Finau Wellington Briana Fleming Wellington Stephen Palmer Wellington

Korowai Tupu Application If you believe your work with young people and your ability to advocate for them would be enhanced by having your professional identity recognised, then applying for Korowai Tupu membership is for you. Korowai Tupu - Registration of Interest This form is for anyone interested in finding our more information about becoming a Korowai Tupu member. Once completed one of our team will contact you. First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Organisation Have you completed (or are you in the process of completing) any of the following qualifications? Diploma of Youth Work (Te Pukenga/ WelTec) Bachelor of Youth Development (Te Pukenga/ WelTec) Bachelor in Youth and Community Leadership (University of Canterbury) Although anyone can apply to Korowai Tupu, there is a tailored application process for students and graduates from these courses. Have you any particular questions about becoming a Korowai Tupu member? Submit