Numerous studies show that colonisation has deeply impacted the identity and worldview of Māori which created a legacy of displacement and widened a cultural gap that continues to have severe impacts on formative development for rangatahi Māori.
However, Indigenous Systems Lead of The Cause Collective, Tracey Walker says despite these challenges, Māori exhibit strong resilience and many are actively seeking to reconnect with their roots.
“With an understanding of a system’s change mindset, we can bridge these gaps with transformative initiatives that understands systems foundations and levers we could introduce to disrupt those systems that hold the problem in place.
“Manurewa Marae with the support of Healthy Families South Auckland – The Cause Collective’s Oranga Whakapapa team, recognised the potential to address these issues and introduced and completed the Ngā Rangatahi o te Naaianei initiative.”
Ngā Rangatahi o te Naaianei initiative is a rangatahi focused initiative that is designed to explore and cultivate the hearts and minds of Māori youth through a Māori worldview.
Initially launched as a pilot project, Ngā Rangatira o te Naainei worked alongside 23 rangatahi, helping them unlock their potential as leaders within their whanau and communities by actively engaging them in a range of activities.
“The initiative is about Rangatahi Māori and their reconnection to Te Ao Māori learning and doing culture in the city. It’s helped participants with learning of theirs and Manurewa pepeha, mihi and karanga practice, engagement and learning of toi Māori to encourage participation, obtaining personal life skills e.g. driver licenses and passports.
“Over the 20-week period, the programme grew into a kaupapa Māori model that. approached development holistically, centering on self-identity, cultural reclaiming, and leadership from a Te Ao Māori perspective,” says Tracey.
This initiative demonstrates how a culturally immersive, kaupapa Māori approach can empower urban rangatahi to thrive by integrating landing, cultural practices and holistic support.
“The programme was never just about delivering content; it was about creating a space where young Māori could reconnect with who they are and find a place in a world that is true to their heritage.”
A case of the sudy of the initiative has been developed and can be found on our website here: Our Work – Healthy Families South Auckland.
