In November 2024 two taiohi from Thames joined an Upskilling Young Kaimahi workshop in Tauranga. They had a story to tell about their mahi with rangatahi in their hometown. So on a glorious day in February this year Ann Dunphy, chair of NZYMN and I sat in the shade of the old railway station and met the Kaitāmiro from Ngāti Maru Runanga as they told us about their programme, Whakatupu Tētēkura. (Raising young warriors)
What started as a response to a suicide tragedy has grown into a well-developed, three-year marae-based programme supporting Year 8 students as they transition into high school and navigate the critical early teenage years. Each year, at Matariki, up to 20 girls and 20 boys from primary schools in the Thames District are invited to join the programme. These tauira are selected by their teachers as those who would benefit most from this opportunity. This marks the beginning of a three-year journey where they build confidence and strengthen their cultural identity.
In 2025, as the first rōpū (who are now in year 11) reach Matariki they will celebrate the end of their journey on this programme, with a cultural exchange to Rarotonga—an experience they have worked hard to fundraise for themselves.
The programme, Whakatupu Tētēkura, is based on 5 pou
Rangatiratanga
Manaakitanga
Kaitiakitanga
Hauora
Whanaugatanga
These pou form the themes for activity and conversation that occur throughout the year. The weekly 3-hour marae-based meetings are extended to include weekend and holiday noho marae and trips as well as support and guidance in the school environment. Kaitāmiro say “We try to offer experiences that are beyond the students’ family life” with activities based on student-led ideas, for example: caring for the environment with beach clean-ups, learning traditional skills such as bone carving and the healing techniques of Rongoa, interacting with kaumatua, supporting community by fund raising for a kaumatua trip. The programme has a particular focus on matters of cultural identity that may not be fully developed for these youngsters but is also responsive to contemporary needs. Ro (Katāmiro) feels strongly that the next topic for all 5 rōpu will be self-respect and keeping safe online (Hauora pou).
The team emphasize that the programme is relational, based on tuakana/teina approaches. It is an early intervention programme that builds cultural confidence and uplifts mana. There are opportunities for one-to-one discussion as well as group interaction. The mentor-rich, longitudinal strategy complements the educational programme and celebrates success at junior high school as young people graduate from the programme ready to step into the qualification system at NCEA Level One and to be work-ready when the time is right. Graduates develop a strong cultural identity and through their contributions find a place to stand, with positive impacts for their community.
