LinC (Leadership in Communities)
Puāwai 2026
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 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.
Tuakana Expressions of interest – OPEN NOW
Tier 1 Rangatahi Programme
Puāwai is a leadership experience for 40 rangatahi/young people ages 15-18 designed to connect with others to network, innovate and create change. Rangatahi develop real skills, knowledge and confidence with a focus on strengths and knowing who they are. Puāwai provides opportunities for rangatahi from diverse communities, informed by kaupapa Māori principles
Rangatahi will;
- Receive Strengths Coaching on their Top 5 Strengths (September 2026)
- Attend a two-day wānanga of workshops, experiences, networking and leadership (October 1st – 2nd 2026)
- Design and facilitate a youth-led Activator project (November 2026 – February 2027)
Rangatahi expression of interest for Term 3-4, 2026 – OPEN SOON
Nominate a rangatahi for Term 3-4, 2026 – OPEN SOON
Supporters
Puāwai is a part of the LinC Project (Leaders in Communities) and funding for Puāwai has been provided by the Todd Foundation, Simplicity Foundation, and the Wayne Francis Trust.
- Contacts:
- Tayla Taylor tayla_taylor@outlook.com
- Atarau Hamilton atarauhamilton@gmail.com
- Jenn Chowaniec jenn@wfct.org.nz
- Chris Jansen chris@leadershiplab.co.nz
LinC (Leadership in Communities)
Puāwai 2026
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 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.
Tuakana Expressions of interest – OPEN NOW
Tier 1 Rangatahi Programme
Puāwai is a leadership experience for 40 rangatahi/young people ages 15-18 designed to connect with others to network, innovate and create change. Rangatahi develop real skills, knowledge and confidence with a focus on strengths and knowing who they are. Puāwai provides opportunities for rangatahi from diverse communities, informed by kaupapa Māori principles
Rangatahi will;
- Receive Strengths Coaching on their Top 5 Strengths (September 2026)
- Attend a two-day wānanga of workshops, experiences, networking and leadership (October 1st – 2nd 2026)
- Design and facilitate a youth-led Activator project (November 2026 – February 2027)
Rangatahi expression of interest for Term 3-4, 2026 – OPEN SOON
Nominate a rangatahi for Term 3-4, 2026 – OPEN SOON
Supporters
Puāwai is a part of the LinC Project (Leaders in Communities) and funding for Puāwai has been provided by the Todd Foundation, Simplicity Foundation, and the Wayne Francis Trust.
- Contacts:
- Tayla Taylor tayla_taylor@outlook.com
- Atarau Hamilton atarauhamilton@gmail.com
- Jenn Chowaniec jenn@wfct.org.nz
- Chris Jansen chris@leadershiplab.co.nz