Tuia mentoring programme candidates selected

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst with this year’s Tuia – Shannon Nohokau, left, and Harono Hokianga.

Two rangatahi have been selected for this year’s Tuia mayoral mentoring programme in Hastings, designed to nurture the leadership potential of young Māori.

Hastings is one of more than 50 councils around the country that participate in the national initiative where mayors mentor young Māori with proven potential, aged between 18 and 25, to help develop and enhance the contribution they make to their community.

In Hastings, Harono Hokianga, 21, a teacher aide at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu is looking forward to the experience.

“I have only known love and appreciation of te reo and whakapapa. I want to inspire all rangatahi Māori to be proud of who they are as Māori,” she said.

Shannon Nohokau, also 21, is currently studying nursing at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa, and said she was passionate about helping implement health models that address the inequalities in the health system.

“A relative had recommended Tuia, and I was intrigued by the wealth of knowledge accessible through the programme's mentors and fellow Tuia.

“I look forward to building networks across Aotearoa and meeting the other rangatahi at the upcoming wānanga.”

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst met with the new 2024 Tuia recipients and said she was looking forward to mentoring the pair.

“This is a very rewarding part of my role – supporting my Tuia to gain confidence and develop their leadership abilities to help them reach their goals and make a difference to their whānau and community,” she said.

Running for a year, the Tuia programme includes mentoring, community contribution and wānanga.

Mayors select rangatahi Māori and meet with them monthly for both informal meetings and participation in formal occasions.

The Tuia also undertake a 100-hour community contribution project and attend five wānanga in different parts of the country to build networks, obtain support and be exposed to a diverse range of people.

Find out more about the programme.

5 March 2024

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