A groundbreaking Māori youth leadership programme run by Te Hā o Maru will be expanding, thanks to funding from the Otago Community Trust. 

The Te Pōhā programme is a unique leadership initiative for rakatahi (young people) that connects them to their environment and cultural identity.

Te Hā o Maru Health and Social Services toihau (chief executive) Mani Molloy-Sharplin says the programme is the first of its kind in the Waitaki district.

The pilot had attendance rates of more than 95%, with 100% of graduate rakatahi transitioning to mainstream education, employment or further studies.

"Te Pōhā is a unique kaupapa designed by Moeraki's cultural historians and mahika kai practitioners, all who have provided the most precious knowledge for our facilitators to pass down to the rakatahi who attend the programme," Mani says.

Otago Community Trust funding of $700,000 over three years will enable a significant expansion to reach even more youth.

“Us at Te Hā o Maru cherish the relationship with Otago Community Trust as true partners of our vision," he says.

“The investment from Otago Community Trust has been pivotal in enabling us to provide such a special kaupapa to our rakatira of tomorrow.”

The aim is to double the annual capacity of the programme, and extend its reach primary and intermediate schools, establishing a comprehensive pathway for rakatahi to connect with their cultural heritage and blossom into future leaders.

Te Pōhā centres on mahika kai (traditional food gathering), and revitalising cultural knowledge and methods that have sustained communities for generations.

Through immersive, hands-on learning in natural environments, students develop essential leadership skills while actively engaging in practices of Te Ao Māori, including Te Reo Māori, mahika kai, karakia, and waiata, Mani says.

The three-year funding will facilitate the recruitment of additional kaimahi (staff), including outdoor specialists, education navigators, and pathways coordinators.

Te Pōhā's vision aims for intergenerational change across three core areas: manahua mai te mana tangata (people flourishing), manahua mai te mana whānau (families flourishing), and manahua mai te mana whenua (environment flourishing), Mani says. 

By integrating NCEA-aligned education with traditional practices, the programme is set to create an impact within entire whānau and communities. Students will engage in vital conservation work, such as wetland restoration and planting, while acquiring skills that open doors to further education and employment.

Te Hā o Maru’s long-term sustainability plan envisions programme graduates will eventually become facilitators and directors, ensuring the kaupapa continues to grow organically from within the community it serves, Mani says.

The Te Pōhā programme is set to implement its expansion immediately, with recruitment of additional tauira (learners) and kaimahi (staff) already underway.