Te Taiohitoa o Te Awe – Young Champions

What is Te Taiohitoa o Te Awe?

Driven by the Te Awe Maori Business Network, the programme is primarily supported by local employers/business and local/central government organisations in supporting the development of our Maori rangatahi engaged in secondary school from Year 11. There are three components to the programme:

Component 1: Mentorship with Maori Business/Organisations in the wellington region for up to 12 months (within the school year). Selected students will go through a screening, recruitment and selection process that will identify rangatahi areas of interest.

Component 2: Up to two hui's held with the mentees, mentors and whanau. An opportunity to celebrate success/achievements, providing a platform for mentees to network with other mentees and Maori business leaders/role-models in our community.

Component 3: A Maori business/role-models circuit is developed to speak at local secondary schools across the region, targeting specifically Maori students. The intent is to provide motivational and inspirational speakers from different backgrounds and businesses in 'telling their story'.

Who is involved in the initiative?

Te Awe Maori Business Network has finalised selection for mentorships with local businesses, central and local government agencies. We have 14 businesses/organizations committed to mentoring and supporting Maori students to achieve their goals and aspirations. This initiative will assist 31 Maori students (from Year 11) with a 12 month mentorship and work placement.

We wish to acknowledge the support of the following businesses/organizations for their time and commitment:

  • KPR Catering – Paul & Keri Retimanu
  • Deputy Mayor, Porirua City Council – Liz Kelly
  • MSO Design – Mark Whitcliffe & Team
  • Wellington City Councilor – Paul Eagle
  • The Maori Party Caucus – Lisa Turia
  • Victoria University - Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban
  • Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust – Ben Ngaia and Liz Mellish
  • New Zealand Qualification Authority – Daryn Bean
  • The Beauty Stop – Natalia Spooner
  • The Groom Barbers – Johni Rutene
  • The Human Rights Commission – Moana Eruera
  • The Families Commission – Dr Kathie Irwin
  • Tu Ake & Design Nation - Wiremu Barribal
  • Office of the Hon. Steven Joyce (Tertiary Education) - Kirsten Rei

We also acknowledge the following schools for their support and participating in this programme:

  • Rongotai College
  • Wellington East Girls College
  • Wellington High School
  • Mission 4 Youth

Te Taiohitoa o Te Awe – Young champions takes off!

The programme was launched with a ‘meet and greet’ event held on Tuesday 3 May 2011 at The Wharewaka and was attended by over 70 students (mentees) their whanau and mentors.

The event included two inspirational guest speakers – Tipa Mahuta and Kemp Reweti who shared their experiences in working with rangatahi, providing valuable advice and guidance for both mentors and mentees who were present.

 

Check out the photos! (Create link to gallery)