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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.

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

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

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 acknowledgement of the Mauri, other guiding principles and inspirations that drive our work. 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.

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

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.

Whanaungatanga With young people we prioritise whanaungatanga, taking time to build and sustain meaningful and trusting relationships. Whanaungatanga is about relationship, kinship and a sense of family connection. It relates to all relationships in a young person’s life, including those in the digital space. When we prioritise whanaungatanga we invest in high trust relationships that are reciprocal, genuine, authentic intentional and mana enhancing. Young people are supported, with a strong foundation of belonging. Mana Taiohi with JJ and Arohauni Whanaungatanga In this expert from Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.1, No.2), Jono Harrison and the team at Tararua Community Youth Services explore Whanaungatanga Read Kaiparahuarahi Whanaungatanga and the Code of Ethics 14. Kia Awatea | Transparency 15. Matatapu | Condidentiality 16. Ngā Tauārai | Boundaries 17. Kia Mataara Ki Ngā Ripa Tauārai | Knowing Your Limits Explore Mana Taiohi Click on the images below to explore each principle and see relevant resources.

Korowai Tupu Leadership Our Team Korowai Tupu is led by a team of youth workers, our Korowai Tupu Rōpū, who are all passionate about supporting young people’s wellbeing through the profession of Youth Work. Tyler Ngatai Practice Lead Renee Ngatai Administrator Korowai Tupu Rōpū Members The Rōpū steers the work of Korowai Tupu and acts in an advisory capacity to the Ara Taiohi Board. Isabel Lemanutau Co-Chair Mana Mokupuna Tayla Taylor Senior Consultant Leadership Lab, Kaiārahi – VOYCE Whakarongo Mai Raelene Hoogeven Co-Chair Kirikiriroa Family Services Trust Richard Bell Senior Advisor Youth Enterprises – Ministry of Youth Development Chloe Bisley-Wright Korowai Tupu Rōpū Member Enviroschools Te Whanganui-a-Tara-Community Facilitator

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

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

Our Team. Our team is a passionate group of individuals dedicated to empowering young people and driving meaningful change. Meet the people behind our mahi - each bringing their unique skills, insights, and energy to our mission. JANE ZINTL CEO About Jane DAYNA CARTER EVENTS About Dayna TYLER NGATAI PRACTICE LEAD About Tyler RENEE NGATAI KOROWAI TUPU ADMINISTRATOR About Renee AISLING CARNEY COMMUNICATIONS & ADVOCACY About Aisling LUHAMA TAU'ALUPE KAIMANAAKI About Luhama CIMONE GRAYSON KAIWHAKAHAERE OF NGĀ KAIHOE About Cimone SARTHAK RAHANGDALE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR About Sarthak CHRIS DAVIDSON ACCOUNTANT About Chris ALEX BLIGH INTERN About Alex LUCY SMITH INTERN About Lucy