Tuia Rangatahi Programme

This national programme involves mayors selecting a young Māori rangatahi (young person) from their rohe to mentor on a one-to-one basis, to encourage and enhance leadership skills. It is envisaged the rangatahi will be mentored on a monthly basis through informal meetings, and attend formal occasions that will assist the young person’s development as a leader.

The relationship provides both partners with the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into inter-generational issues, cultural values and experiences.

Rangatahi will also have the opportunity to build peer networks with graduates of the programme, obtain support, and receive leadership training by attending leadership development wānanga over the course of the year.

Click here to view the 2025 Prospectus

Applications for 2025 are open!

We're looking for rangatahi Māori aged 18-25 years old from the Heretaunga region who are actively contributing to the well-being of their community and who have the potential to be a leader in their community.

What it involves

The young people will commit to:

• Meet with their Mayor/mentor at least once a month;
• Be involved in additional community events at the invitation of the Mayor/mentor (where practical);
• Attend three three-day and two four-day wānanga (leadership forums) per year;
• Community contribution project(s) over a 12 month period (approx 100hrs).

*Wānanga locations for 2025 are as follows:

• March: Wānanga one - Tuia i Runga (Weaving above), Waikato
• May: Wānanga two - Tuia i Raro (Weaving below), Waiariki/Bay of Plenty
• July: Wānanga three - Tuia i Roto (Weaving within), Te Waipounamu
• September: Wānanga four - Tuia i Waho (Weaving without), Hawkes Bay
• November: Wānanga five - Tuia te Here Tangata (Weaving the threads of humanity), Wellington

How to apply

To apply, please fill out the application form below by Friday 24 January 2025, with interviews taking place on Monday 3 February, 2025.

For more information, please contact:

Emma James
Youth Lead
P: 0800 4 YOUTH
E: youth@hdc.govt.nz