Rangatahi in Tuia
Scroll down to read more about Mysteeq's journey.
Background
The Tuia Programme is an inspiring initiative dedicated to empowering young Māori leaders across New Zealand. Through mentorship with local Mayors and community projects, rangatahi gain leadership skills, connect with cultural heritage, experience travelling to different places in our beautiful country and forge bonds with other youth representatives and within their communities. Each year, participants attend wānanga that encourage personal growth, cultural exploration, travel, and collaborative learning.
The programme’s vision is to strengthen cultural identity, open up horizons, and inspire the next generation to make a positive impact within their communities. Tuia is more than just a leadership programme—it’s a commitment to empowering rangatahi to shape the future.
From 2011 to 2020 Tuia have had 56 councils, 19 participating iwi & organisations and over 350 rangatahi participate in the kaupapa. Ōtorohanga Mayor's have been active mentors in the program since 2011, with a rich legacy of Tuia alumni ( some of which work at Council today!) as testament to the programmes success.
How The Programme Works
- Mayors and staff develop a ‘one-to-one’ mentoring relationship with a rangatahi in their community over a minimum twelve-month period.
- We offer regular meetings and space for the Tuia to participate in our Council staff office during our day-to-day work. This allows for the rangitahi to learn about local government, to share ideas, engage in local issues and develop relationships based on trust and respect.
- The Mayor provides opportunities to explore local government and civic leadership via invitations to accompany them on events/hui/speaking engagements 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 rangatahi and often the Mayor 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. Council staff can advise and mentor their project development if requested by the Tuia rangatahi.
- Building good networks between the rangatahi themselves is paramount. Graduates (alumni) 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.
Reference website for the above: https://www.mtfj.co.nz/our-work/tuia-and-mtfj-rangatahi/
Tuia Alumni
- Mayor Max Baxter 2024: Mysteeq Taukiri
- Mayor Max Baxter 2023: Kauri Coffin
- Mayor Max Baxter 2021: Maringi Kete
- Mayor Max Baxter 2020: Chalet Bidois & Tui Tāne-Mowat
- Mayor Max Baxter 2019: Tai Jones & Merania Kana
- Mayor Max Baxter 2018: Kayli Van de Heyden & Talesha Waretini
- Mayor Max Baxter 2017: Zak Henry & Kahu Simon
- Mayor Max Baxter 2016: Jasmine Cashmore
- Mayor Max Baxter 2015: Tori Koroheke & Eru Taane
- Mayor Max Baxter 2014: Thom Snowden
- Mayor Dale Willams 2013: Eden Kawhena
- Mayor Dale Willams 2012: Sashtree Montgomery & Henare Raukawa
- Mayor Dale Willams 2011: Dickie Te Wao
Mysteeq Taukiri's Journey
In her words Mysteeq shares her journey as she navigates through life and weaves her path in Tuia.
- Tuia I Runga - To weave above.
Tuia I Runga taught me the importance of our ancestors. How far they all came, how hard they all fought for us to be here today. Establishing the Kingitanga to fight united against the English. To signing te tiriti to put an end to war. It taught me to remember where we came from and who we are. During this wananga, we visited Te Puna O Te Roimata, or ‘The Wellspring of Tears’, where the people of Ngati Maniapoto all met at Haurua. There, they confirmed their support for Pōtatau Te Wherwhero succeeding in becoming the first Māori king. Tuia I Runga has not only taught me to remember my tipuna, but to also be proud of how they fought for me to be here.
- Tuia I Raro - To weave below
Tuia I Raro taught me to give back and appreciate Papatuanuku, for she has given us the needs to survive. She has given us the soil to grow our fruits, plant our veggies and live upon. It taught me that even Papatuanuku needs help, and we can't ignore her. During this wananga, we went around the area, killing the invasive species of catfish, walking on a trail through the bush, weaving harakeke and many more activities. We came to understand how to appreciate our whenua, the land we walk on. How to take care of it in different ways, how to appreciate the trees, the streams, the land below us. Tuia I raro has made me open my eyes to the places around me, and take care of it all the more
- Tuia I Roto - To weave within
Tuia I Roto was the most memorable wananga for me. It taught me how to feel comfortable with your past, and to look at how far you've come with a smile on your face. During this wananga, we all opened up and shared our stories, where we came from, who we are and where we hope to go. We all made a safe space for everybody to feel comfortable. We set rules, planned our korero and took turns sharing our past. Though I wasn't going to share, eventually, as if my own tīpuna were urging me forward to share, I did. And I was glad I did. Opening up was something I never did, and was something I don't do. But it was something I needed. Tuia I Roto taught me to not be shy or scared of what makes you, you. It taught me that opening up isn't always bad as well.
- Tuia Te Here Tāngata - To weave together
Tuia Te Here Tāngata taught me to learn to absorb everything, and soak in the presence of the connections we made. It was a wananga on reflection, reminiscing on the things we did, the places we went, and the things we learnt. Not only that, but to celebrate how far we have all come together. During this wananga, all the teina came together, electing speakers, writing speeches, and planning for our whanau day event. We all worked together to make sure we end our year off together great, speaking, announcing and singing together. Though our last hours were nearing, we had one final korero circle before officially graduating from being teina. Tuia Te Here Tāngata taught me to take things slow, absorb it in, and celebrate with how far you've come.
November 2024 - Written by Mysteeq Taukiri
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Join Mysteeq on an incredible journey at her wānanga! From engaging activities and cultural kōrero to building connections with young leaders, Mysteeq’s weekend was packed with growth, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences.