A programme where mayors mentor rangatahi to become leaders is helping bridge the gap between local democracy and Māori culture.
Participants in Tuia, from left to right: Sirtori Eade, Cassidy Temese, Jim Mylchreest, Sophia Wairoa Harrison. Photo / Waipa District Council
Photo: Wairoa District Council
The Tuia programme is a long-term intergenerational approach to develop the leadership capacity of young Māori in communities throughout New Zealand.
Set up by the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs (MTFJ) in the late 2000s, the programme involves local mayors selecting up to two rangatahi from their district to mentor on a one-to-one basis, to encourage and enhance leadership skills.