Rangatahi
When rangatahi grow, whānau grow with them
The Rangatahi pou supports tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau across different stages of development. The focus is not limited to finding work. It includes identity, wellbeing, communication, confidence, learning, leadership and the experiences that help future pathways become possible.
Why this pou matters
A young person can find a job, complete a course or make a strong start, but lasting change is harder when the whānau around them remains under the same pressure.
Rangatahi exists so support can reach beyond one individual and strengthen the relationships, routines and confidence that surround them.
A continuum of support
Support sits on a continuum. For some, the next step may be confidence and communication. For others, it may be education, leadership, work experience or employment. The pathway should respond to where the person is now while keeping future possibilities open.
What we are building
Youth-focused support and development for tamariki and rangatahi, together with practical whānau development. We are exploring established, evidence-based approaches delivered in ways that are culturally grounded from the beginning, rather than translated at the end.
Delivery is being designed to reflect Māori contexts and the diversity of Pasifika cultures and communities, drawing on local cultural expertise so that support fits each whānau rather than asking whānau to fit the programme.
Meeting whānau where they already are
Delivery is intended to sit alongside schools, early childhood centres, playcentres, after-school services and community providers that whānau already know and trust.
We are also developing relationships with agencies and community partners so referral pathways can move in both directions.
What change can look like
Stronger identity and belonging. Growing confidence and communication. Stronger relationships within whānau. Greater engagement in learning. New experiences that open new aspirations. Leadership capability, and movement towards education, training or employment when the time is right.
What will make it possible
Confirmed programme partnerships and referral agreements. We want to design this mahi with the people already working alongside rangatahi and whānau, before the model is finished rather than after.