Tāhono
Helping shape the future of youth work and young people in Aotearoa
In November, Aotearoa will have its next General Election. This isn’t just a chance to decide who will govern our country, but to influence the directions they will take.
Together, we’re creating two sets of policy directives to take to politicians across the political spectrum before the election. Government decisions shape funding, accountability, and the conditions within which youth work operates in. It's important that the voice of our sector is part of shaping those decisions. We will also be sharing these with the wider sector for you to use in your own conversations with your local MPs.
We’re building from the the findings of Mahi Tūturu, and we’re asking youth workers and agencies across the motu to be part of this too. Your input helps shape what we take to MPs, the stories we back it up with, and the cases we make.
We are gathering whakaaro on two main topics
Here's how you can participate
What we take to government will be shaped by what you share. This is a chance to make sure the realities of your work, and the needs of young people you support, are reflected in the priorities we put in front of decision-makers.
There are a few different ways to get involved - whether you want to share your reflections, ask questions, or just start the conversation.
Who we're connecting with
We want to hear from people right across the youth development sector. Alongside open ways to participate, we’re creating dedicated spaces to connect more intentionally with different parts of the sector.
If you'd like to be part of this kōrero, we'd really value your input.
Connect with our Practice Lead at tyler.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz
If you are Māori
We’re committed to engaging in ways that reflect our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to ensuring Māori voices help lead and shape this work. This includes connecting ā-tinana with whānau, hapū, and iwi across the motu with support from the Workforce Futures Fund, and working closely with Ngā Kaihoe and the Māori youth development workforce. We’ll also be providing a space for Māori voices to come together and share whakaaro through an online forum for Ngā Kaihoe members.
If you have experience with the Care System
It’s important that this work reflects the experiences of those connected to the care system. We’ve already engaged through the VOYCE Whakarongo Mai conference, connecting with Kaiwhakamana and care-experienced young people, and we’ll continue to build on these relationships. We’re also working with Oranga Tamariki to connect with youth workers across their network. Alongside this, we’re keen to connect with organisations and youth workers in the community who are supporting young people in care. If you want to know more, please connect with Jane at executive.officer@arataiohi.org.nz
We are connecting with as many regions as possible ā-tinana
Come find us on the road! If you're wanting more information on exact times and locations, please reach out to Tyler Ngātai at tyler.ngatai@arataiohi.org.nz
Te Tai Tokerau
Whangarei - Monday 4th May
Kaikohe - Tuesday 5th May
Kaitaia - Wednesday 6th May
Whakatū
Whakatū Marae - Monday 11th May
Nelson Tasman Youth Workers Network - Tuesday 12th May
Tauranga
Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust - Friday 15th May
Rotorua
Rotorua - Monday 25th May
Taranaki
New Plymouth - Thursday 18th June
Hāwera - Friday 19th June
Stay tuned
We'll update this webpage as more events get confirmed.