The Tuia Programme

The Tuia programme is an intentional, long term, intergenerational approach to develop the leadership capacity of young Maori in communities throughout New Zealand. This programme involves local Mayors selecting a young Maori from their district to mentor on a one-to-one basis, to encourage and enhance leadership skills. It is envisaged the rangatahi (young person) will be mentored on a monthly basis, involving both informal meetings and formal occasions that will assist the young person’s development as a local leader.  The relationship also provides both partners with the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into inter-generational issues, cultural values and experiences. 

Selected rangatahi are expected to undertake and record a 100 hour community service project in their respective communities. This will provide the young person an opportunity to share their experiences, practice new strategies and demonstrate leadership.

Rangatahi will also have the opportunity to build peer networks with graduates of the Programme, obtain support and receive leadership training by attending four leadership development wānanga over the course of the year.

How The Programme Works

• Mayors develop a ‘one-to-one’ mentoring relationship with a rangatahi in their community over a twelve month period (minimum).

• Both parties commit to meet at least once a month to share ideas, engage in local issues and develop a relationship based on trust and respect.

• The Mayor provides opportunities to explore local government and civic leadership (via events/hui and informal training).

• The rangatahi provides opportunities for the Mayor to better understand their world view as a young Maori- growing up in their whanau, hapū, iwi and wider community.

• The Mayor and rangatahi both attend 4 wānanga throughout the year, focused on growing leadership skills and networks (all previous graduates attend with 100+ rangatahi from all over New Zealand).

• In each community, the rangatahi must also engage and/or develop a ‘community service’ project to pass on the learnings and take action.

• Building good networks between the rangatahi themselves is paramount. Graduates of the programme provide ‘Peer support’ and ongoing development opportunities with four years of participants (100+) coming together at the wānanga and social media.  

• Leadership development is rangatahi driven and sustainable, with governance and support provided by the TUIA Charitable Trust and Mayors.