Youth leadership wānanga held in Rotorua
News
Up to 100 Tuia youth leaders will gather from around the motu (island) at Taheke Marae, Rotoiti this weekend to learn and connect with others.
The wānanga is one of five for 2023 Tuia representatives who have been selected by local Mayors to be mentored through the leadership programme.
The national programme aims to encourage and enhance leadership skills for young Māori in communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Locally, Amelia Liddell and Sa’hayla Harden were selected by Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell to participate in the programme. This involves meeting regularly with Mayor Tapsell, participating in local civic events, growing their networks and connecting with a diverse range of people to gain a deeper insight into inter-generational issues, cultural values and experiences.
Selected rangatahi are expected to undertake a 100 hour community service project which will provide an opportunity to share experiences, practice new strategies and demonstrate leadership.
The programme also includes a number of wānanga for all Tuia representatives and these are held at various locations around the country.
Mayor Tania Tapsell says it’s great to be hosting young Māori leaders from around the country in Rotorua this weekend.
“We’ve had positive feedback on how vital these wānanga are for developing our future leaders.
“Our local Tuia representatives Amelia and Sa’hayla will be taking their learnings and developing a local project. I look forward to continuing to support them to provide positive opportunities for more young people in Rotorua.”
Sa’hayla says she and Ameila are incredibly grateful to be on this journey and look forward to the possibilities it creates for them.
“The first wānanga was at Mangatoatoa Marae ki Te Nehenehenui, within the Ngāti Maniapoto rohe. Amelia and I had the privilege of visiting local wāhi tapu, listening to traditional pūrākau and learning about the establishment of the Kīngitanga.”
Amelia says within the short time period she has learnt many things while being one of this year’s Tuia representatives.
“It’s already given me lots of opportunities and has opened up connections that will be useful for my mahi and community contribution.”
The wānanga provide opportunities for rangatahi to connect with one another, as well as to a variety of places, people and communities around Aotearoa.
Founded in 2011 through the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), the Tuia programme has supported more than 550 rangatahi. Rotorua Lakes Council has been part of the programme since its inception and has mentored 12 rangatahi Māori.