A workshop was held in Wellington on March 4 to grow one of New Zealand’s most successful mentorship programs, which has paired dozens of young Māori in one-on-one partnerships with local mayors.
The Tuia Program, in partnership with the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) and the Wellington City Council helps mayors enhance their mentoring relationship with rangatahi (young) Māori. It’s an intergenerational approach to developing the way in which rangatahi Māori contribute to New Zealand communities.
“The Tuia Program ensures that young people have positive mentors and support networks around them, which enhances their opportunities in employment or training,” says MTFJ chair and Ōtorohanga Mayor Max Baxter.
Mayors partner with a rangatahi Māori from their districts to develop mutually beneficial mentoring relationships. Rangatahi will also attend five wānanga (education in a Māori cultural context) in different parts of the country to build networks and be expected to undertake a 100-hour community contribution project.
The partnership between MTFJ and Tuia focusses on expanding and advocating the importance of youth mentoring. The program has grown year-on-year since its inception in 2011, with 40 councils expected to participate in 2020.
“The Tuia program has provided me with deeper insight into inter-generational issues, culture values and experiences of young Māori in my district of Ōtorohanga,” said Baxter.
“It is a privilege to learn from young Māori through the Tuia program and the Taskforce is committed to encouraging more Mayors to get engaged in this kaupapa. In many communities across Aoteatoa, young Māori are our future workforce and the driver for developing future economic success. Tuia helps Mayors nurture the next generation of young Māori.”