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Te Reo Taiohi

Te Reo Taiohi

Te Reo Taiohi (youth voice) is our dedicated kaupapa to ensure we are engaging with rangatahi to support the development and growth of quality experiences for rangatahi. Previously, this kaupapa has been in the form of a rōpū (advisory group) with two cohorts (2021-2023 & 2023-2025) contributing to significant pieces of mahi, including the co-development of our Rautaki Rangatahi (Youth Strategy). 

The formal Te Reo Taiohi rōpū ended in April 2025. Taking into consideration the growth and development, challenges, our waka ama environment, and relevant data and insights, the rōpū had reached its potential and purpose. This is a positive development for the kaupapa.

The kaupapa of Te Reo Taiohi, youth voice, will remain and we are committed to ensuring we capture a rangatahi voice to inform, advise, and provide insights from a rangatahi perspective to Waka Ama NZ. The purpose of capturing a rangatahi voice is:

  • Inform, advise, and provide insights to Waka Ama NZ from a rangatahi perspective
  • Provide an opportunity for rangatahi across Aotearoa to voice their own experiences and perspectives on waka ama
  • Provide feedback where relevant to the Waka Ama NZ
  • Support the implementation of the Rautaki Rangatahi (youth strategy)

Rautaki Rangatahi

The Waka Ama NZ Rautaki Rangatahi is a Youth Strategy, co-designed with our previous Te Reo Taiohi rōpū, to contribute to the development of waka ama for rangatahi, as advised by rangatahi. Te Reo Taiohi rōpū contributed to the development of this Rautaki Rangatahi through wānanga, online hui, and feedback via surveys and emails.

The Rautaki Rangatahi is guided by our Waka Ama NZ Strategy and underpinned by our Waka Ama NZ values of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Hauora, and Tū Tangata.

On average, our yearly affiliated waka ama membership consists of at least 50% under 19. Waka Ama NZ recognises the importance of rangatahi participation and engagement in waka ama, and the ongoing development required to ensure rangatahi needs are being met. This Rautaki Rangatahi sets the direction for Waka Ama NZ to be guided by our rangatahi and their voice.

Waka Ama NZ looks forward to implementing this strategy and continuing our commitment to developing waka ama for rangatahi.

See Rautaki Rangatahi attached.

Attachments

Waka Ama NZ - Rautaki Rangatahi.pdf