The Next Generation of Kaitiaki

A group of 13 rangatahi were given the opportunity to strengthen their connection to whakapapa, te taiao and their role as future kaitiaki through the Rangatahi Kaitiaki programme delivered by Ngāruahine Iwi Health Service - Manaia. Through a series of wānanga, cultural experiences and environmental activities, participants explored significant sites across Taranaki while developing confidence, cultural knowledge and leadership skills.

The programme, delivered fortnightly in different locations, was designed to help rangatahi better understand who they are, where they come from, and the important role they play within their whānau, hapū and iwi. Learning was grounded in mātauranga Māori and focused on identity, whakapapa, local history, wāhi tapu, and kaitiakitanga.

The collaboration with Taranaki Maunga Project Kiwi Release was a standout experience. The hands-on conservation activity allowed rangatahi to witness kaitiakitanga in action as they learned about protecting taonga species and explored potential future pathways in environmental management and conservation.

There were also visits to Te Rere o Kapuni, Te Ngutu o Te Manu, Orangituapeka, Kaupokonui, Puke Ariki and Tawhitinui Marae, where rangatahi deepened their understanding of local history, tikanga, whakapapa and the resilience of their tūpuna.

The impact of the programme was undoubtable as growth among participants was evident -  rangatahi were seen to have increased confidence, stronger cultural identity, had made headway in leadership development, and had a greater sense of belonging. The lasting relationships formed among rangatahi, kaumātua, facilitators and whānau was an outcome that will be celebrated for generations to come.

Māhutonga is proud to have invested in rangatahi through the Ka Kā Te Rama Initiative Fund, passing on mātauranga Māori, and ensuring the next generation is equipped to care for their people, places and taonga.