You have the wings to fly but you can’t take that leap
You have the ideas to create but you’re not sure how to activate them
You want to change the world you just don’t know where to start

Why and How?

Puāwai is for rangatahi who have already demonstrated their involvement within their whānau, friend group, school or community but are not yet recognised for their mahi (efforts).

Puāwai is designed to connect and develop a diverse network of potential leaders, innovators, disruptors, and drivers while equipping them with fundamental skills and knowledge. This includes young people who want to grow their skills and experience and have not yet received leadership development opportunities, due to discrimination or being marginalised. Puāwai focuses on supporting rangatahi to tap into their strengths and potential, transition through key periods of change, and achieve their long-term aspirations in education, work and life. 

Puāwai (Tier 1 Rangatahi) is a five-month experience for rangatahi aged 15-18, and Leadership Lab has delivered Puāwai for six years.

This year, Puāwai takes its most significant step forward with the launch of the Tier 2 Puāwai Tuākana Programme, which is a structured leadership pathway for up to 10 returning rangatahi (17+), running July through December alongside the Tier 1 programme.

Tier 1 Rangatahi Programme

Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom

Why – the purpose

• Connect with others to network, innovate and create change
• Develop real skills, knowledge and confidence with a focus on strengths and knowing who you are
• Access opportunities designed for rangatahi from diverse communities, informed by kaupapa Māori principles

Who – young people

What – the components

• Receive Strengths Coaching on their Top 5 strengths
• Attend a two-day wānanga of workshops, experiences, networking and leadership
• Design and facilitate Activator events – youth-led practical projects

How – the supporters

Interested?

• I know someone good for this… → Puāwai Nomination Form
• I am interested myself… → Puāwai Expression of Interest Form

Contacts

Tayla Taylor – tayla_taylor@outlook.com
Atarau Hamilton – atarauhamilton@gmail.com

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Tier 2 Tuakana Programme

The Tuākana pathway creates a deliberate progression: from rangatahi into tuākana roles, from personal growth into collective leadership, from ‘me’ to ‘we’. Tuakana will; 

• deepen their leadership identity,
• build real-world facilitation and mentoring skills,
• step into visible leadership roles at the Tier 1 Wānanga, Activators, and Showcase.