TUIA

Tuia Rangatahi Leadership Programme

Click here to view the official Tuia Programme page on the MTFJ website.

The Tuia programme is an intentional, long term, intergenerational approach to develop the leadership capacity of young Maori in communities throughout New Zealand. This programme involves local Mayors selecting a young Maori from their district to mentor on a one-to-one basis, to encourage and enhance leadership skills. It is envisaged the rangatahi (young person) will be mentored on a monthly basis, involving both informal meetings and formal occasions that will assist the young person’s development as a local leader. The relationship also provides both partners with the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into inter-generational issues, cultural values and experiences.

Selected rangatahi are expected to undertake and record a 100 hour community service project in their respective communities. This will provide the young person an opportunity to share their experiences, practice new strategies and demonstrate leadership.

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

How The Programme Works

Mayors develop a ‘one-to-one’ mentoring relationship with a rangatahi in their community over a twelve month period (minimum).
Both parties commit to meet at least once a month to share ideas, engage in local issues and develop a relationship based on trust and respect.
The Mayor provides opportunities to explore local government and civic leadership (via events/hui and informal training).
The rangatahi provides opportunities for the Mayor to better understand their world view as a young Maori- growing up in their whanau, hapū, iwi and wider community.
The Mayor and rangatahi both attend 4 wānanga throughout the year, focused on growing leadership skills and networks (all previous graduates attend with 100+ rangatahi from all over New Zealand).
In each community, the rangatahi must also engage and/or develop a ‘community service’ project to pass on the learnings and take action.
Building good networks between the rangatahi themselves is paramount. Graduates of the programme provide ‘Peer support’ and ongoing development opportunities with four years of participants (100+) coming together at the wānanga and social media.
Leadership development is rangatahi driven and sustainable, with governance and support provided by the TUIA Charitable Trust and Mayors.

Who is eligible for the programme and how will they be selected?

The Mayor will select a young Maori who meets the following criteria:

Is aged between 18-25 years
Is actively involved in contributing to the wellbeing of their community at some level
Is able to commit to being involved in this part-time programme for a minimum of 12 months
Has support from others to participate in the programme (whanau/hapu/pakeke/employers/ community etc.)
Is open minded and willing to contribute to discussions and workshops
Is well organized and have the ability to manage their time and commitments effectively
Is innovative, self managing and adaptable.

The Selection Process

Each participating Mayor in partnership with their community and past rangatahi participant (where applicable) will select the candidate against the criteria outlined above. Each Mayor will determine what process they deem to be the most effective in order to identify their candidate. These may include but are not limited to the following examples: