Tony Yuretich
As a Tangata Tiriti from Te Tai Tokerau, my early life there informs my mahi as much as my 20 years of experience in the youth sector in Tāmaki Makaurau. I have studied in a formal settings and in wananga to weave that knowledge with the practical solutions of the farm or sports fields. I believe we all have what we need in and around us. Rural life taught me how to be curious and to make something out of nothing. Coaching taught me that to be competition on the field or the court is a byproduct of supporting others to know who they are and how they can contribute. My degree gave me the opportunity to add to and broaden the knowledge I had with names and models. I thrive in te taiao and it is essential in both my mahi and spare time, its restorative nature bringing balance to myself and this I work with. This has led to my current haerenga to further strengthen Taha Wairua as balance the other three Taha. I am grateful to all those I have learnt from; tohunga, kaiako and the taiohi. Among the taonga they gave they also taught me to listen to my puku because if it feels right, it is right.
My Approach
Taiohi are our future, however success doesn’t happen in a vacuum, all our young people need guidance from strong leaders. Taiohi pick us because they know we have what they need; supervision should reflect that. My passion for encouraging taiohi to realise their potential overflowed into supporting kaimahi to stand in their mana, as this is the flow in our mahi. Mohammad Ali says; “the service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Passion and purpose is a given for those working in the youth sector but it is experience and guidance that hones skills. I know what we need is already inside of us but too often it takes another’s eyes to help us see that clearly. I encourage kaimahi to answer the questions they have for me, learning to listen to their puku, gaining confidence in their intuition and experience. We are all susceptible to ‘imposter syndrome’, but when kaimahi give best of themselves to taiohi, mistakes and all, this role modelling helps the young person successfully navigate their challenges. We all need our guides. The word ‘sensei’ gives the image of a karate expert but it simply means ‘teacher’ in Japanese. Mr Miyagi was as much a cheerleader as anything else. I will scaffold your mahi through encouragement, experience, empathy and humour. Kaimahi who see value in themselves see the immense value in their young people, growing professionally and personally. Contact me to find out more and check out my mahi at https://tonyyuretich.com
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Mahi a Atua Mataora
Profesional Association