Rangatahi Māori across Waikato are stepping up as hauora leaders through the Kia Tū Rangatahi Māori Hauora Leadership Programme.
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board commissioned the kauapapa. Tumu Whakarae Brandi Hudson spoke with Radio Waatea’s Matthew Tukaki about the programme, which is now running in seven secondary schools: Te Kauwhata College, Putāruru College, Ōtorohanga College, Tai Wānanga Ki Ruakura, Te Kōpuku High School, Tokoroa High School and Te Kūiti High School.
Brandi said Kia Tū is about more than health education. Rangatahi are building leadership skills, speaking up about what affects their communities and helping design the solutions.
The kaupapa covers mental health and suicide prevention, vaccination, dental care, and vaping and smoking, while strengthening connection to culture, identity and whānau.
Early survey results from 117 rangatahi show school pressure, stress and not enough sleep are weighing on their wellbeing. Worries about privacy, fear of being judged and not knowing where to go for help are stopping some from reaching out.
The kōrero raised a bigger question for the health system: what could change if rangatahi were given the knowledge and confidence to shape healthier whānau now, rather than waiting until they need care?