Rangatira
Leadership should not ask us to leave ourselves behind
Leadership development grounded in Māori and Pasifika contexts, strengthened through mentoring, practical experience and opportunities to lead as yourself.
Why this pou matters
Much of the leadership material used in Aotearoa has been imported. Some of it is useful, but too often it asks people to lead in a voice, model or register that is not their own.
Rangatira exists so that participants can grow as leaders without becoming less of themselves.
Leadership grows through practice
Leadership grows through practice, exposure and relationships. Participants should have opportunities to learn from experienced leaders, take on meaningful responsibilities and experience leadership in different community, cultural and professional settings.
That can include mentoring, time alongside established leaders, visits to workplaces and organisations, community projects, and experiences beyond a participant’s usual environment, with space to practise communication, decision-making and reflection on what comes next.
Grounded in Māori and Pasifika leadership
Leadership development will be grounded in Aotearoa and informed by Māori and Pasifika understandings of identity, service, collective responsibility and intergenerational leadership.
Programme content will draw on the stories of leaders whose journeys feel relevant and attainable: different ways leadership can look, the challenges leaders have navigated, and how identity can strengthen the way a person leads.
Leaders for every part of life
The aim is a generation of Māori and Pasifika leaders contributing across whānau, community, iwi and Māori organisations, Pasifika organisations, business, public service, education, the creative sectors and governance. Leadership is not only formal management; it is the ability to carry responsibility well, wherever you stand.
What will make it possible
Completion of programme design and foundation partners willing to support or host the first cohort.