Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board’s Kia Tū Rangatahi programme is helping rangatahi across the Waikato build leadership skills and explore Māori health and wellbeing. More than 130 students from seven secondary schools came together at Te Kauwhata College for a leadership hui developed by Year 13 students. Guest speakers included Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, Black Fern and Chiefs Manawa captain Kennedy Tukuafu, and Māori climate advocate Taane Aruka Te Aho.
The programme gives rangatahi the confidence and skills to discuss issues affecting their whānau and communities, from mental health and suicide prevention to dental care and vaping. Te Tiratū chief executive Brandi Hudson says the goal is to help young people find their voices and take an active role in shaping their own wellbeing and future. At the hui, students worked together to develop ideas for a day focused on hauora, putting their leadership skills into practice.