Since its inception in 2021 the Waitara Taiohi Trust has focused on building future leaders by providing a safe space for taiohi rooted in te ao Māori principles. The Trust runs various programmes every day of the week, with the aim of fostering whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga among young people in their community. Rangatahi involved said a kaupapa Māori approach has instilled a sense of pride in their identity and has inspired them to turn their lives around.
One of those programmes is the ‘Loyal Leaders’ programme which is a mentoring programme that brings rangatahi together weekly to develop leadership skills, build confidence and kōrero openly about different kaupapa impacting them.
The trust also offers an internship programme allowing young people who have been supported to journey as an intern alongside those who once mentored them. Some rangatahi also join the Trust as a board member enabling them to advocate for youth-led initiatives, including a coffee cart where rangatahi can gain work experience.
As an example, Kitt-Kara O’Carroll-Leota is an intern with the Waitara Taiohi Trust having been with them since its early days. She is now also a youth worker studying towards a diploma. She said that today’s programmes offer more than just a place to hang out. They provide meaningful experiences and skill-building opportunities – something she said would have been essential for her growing up.
“We don’t have enough Māori showing our kids the way. If I keep making positive changes, the kids will see it and want to do the same.”
She hoped every young person could experience a supportive environment enriched in tikanga Māori.
As a catalyst for change, BAF – Bishop’s Action Foundation continues to be a critical friend and guide working alongside the changemakers driving this initiative. We facilitated the conversations that framed up the collaboration and then supported the design and creation of the trust. We also continue to provide mentoring to the trust and the staff team.