Tuia mentoring programme

Tuia mentoring programme

Tuia i runga, tuia i raro, tuia i roto, tuia i waho, tuia te here tangata. Ka rongo te pō, ka rongo te ao. Tuia ngā rangatahi puta noa i te motu kia pupū ake te mana Māori.

The Tuia programme is an intentional, long-term, inter-generational approach to develop the leadership capacity of young Māori in communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. This programme involves local mayors selecting rangatahi Māori from their district to mentor on a one-to-one basis, to encourage and enhance leadership skills.

Who are we looking for?

We're looking for two rangatahi Māori (aged 18 to 25 years) who reside within the Whakatāne District rohe and, at some level, are actively contributing to the wellbeing of their community, or have an aspiration to do so.

You also need to be able to commit to:

  • Attending three three-day and two four-day wānanga held on marae around the country over a 12-month period. 
  • Monthly 'one-on-one' mentoring meetings with the Whakatāne District Mayor, Judy Turner, and other event and networking opportunities.
  • Being open-minded and willing to contribute to discussions and workshops.

Please note, you will need to provide a valid vaccine pass to participate in the programme.

 How can you apply?

Applications for the 2022 programme have closed. Information on applying for 2023 will be posted on this page in due course.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

 Previous Participants Testimonials

2020 Participant: Faith Playle

Kia ora

My name is Faith Playle. I’m 22 years old and have a five-year old daughter, Indie. I am from Matatā, and my iwi connections are Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Mākino. 

I was the Whakatāne candidate for Tuia in 2020, and my experience with Tuia was an uplifting, powerful and healing journey. Coming out of our first wānanga, I felt as if I could achieve anything! What I love most about Tuia is there is no judgement whatsoever, and it is a safe space to be Māori and just be you, because sometimes it is hard, especially for rangatahi to be able to do this and feel safe at the same time.

2020 Tuia mentoring programme

The connections that are created are unreal; a whānau that will be there for life, not just in nearby towns, but all throughout Aotearoa. Through this kaupapa I have met writers, dancers, musicians, parents, chefs, artists, photographers, videographers, change-makers and leaders of the future. I am beyond grateful for this kaupapa - the whanaungatanga, the laughs, the kanikani, the waiata, the games, the swims, the hikoi and of course, the kai.

Through this kaupapa I was also able to create a relationship with Mayor Judy Turner through one-on-one mentoring, and I now have another strong wahine to look up to in my journey through life. Coming from a hard upbringing and not knowing much about politics, I was anxious to walk into the Council office. Judy welcomed me with so much aroha, and I have a whole new perspective of how I see people in a position like Judy’s. I now have more of an understanding of what we, as Māori, need to do to create change for our people, and I am proud to say I will be a part of the uprising. 

This experience has proven to me that no matter where you come from and no matter your walk in life, you are capable of creating and doing big things! I truly wish every rangatahi Māori could have this experience and go on this journey of taking the lid off to their true potential. It has been a privilege and I recommend that if this sounds like something you would be interested in, please apply - you will not regret it.

Ngā mihi nui
Faith xx