Latest news with #rangatahi
RNZ News
11-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Ōtara Youth Hub closure: A critical loss for rangatahi as funding cuts take their toll
A collage of connection, care and community - Ōtara Youth Hub. Photo: Supplied / The Ōtara Youth Hub Facebook The unexpected closure of the Ōtara Youth Hub has left staff without jobs and local rangatahi, young people, without a trusted place to seek help. The situation highlights how contract funding cuts reshape communities in South Auckland. Ōtara has around 21,700 residents, with a median age of just 27.6, and more than half (54 percent) of the population is under 30, according to the 2023 census and community data. The youthful demographic shows the critical need for dedicated youth spaces in the area. According to an E Tū Whānau feature published in July 2023, the Ōtara Youth Hub, which E Tū Whānau had funded for the past three years, provided local rangatahi with a safe and creative environment for career support, music production, mentoring, and cultural activities, even enabling some young people to attend NASA Space Camp and the Dubai Expo. Its sudden closure cuts off access to this wide range of opportunities. Victoria Hearn, a former employee at the Ōtara Youth Hub, said the entire team was made redundant when funding was exhausted. "Myself and all the youth hub were made redundant due to them running out of funding and not securing more. So, as of the 30th of June, I finished sadly. My team and I are absolutely gutted as there is now no physical space for our rangatahi who needed it most. They are going to still run youth programmes, but there will no longer be the intensive one-to-one support that we provided for our higher risk and disengaged rangatahi." Hearn suggested that inquiries should be directed to CEO Terangi Parima. In a heartfelt statement on social media before the closure, the Ōtara Youth Hub stated: "Like many others across Aotearoa, we have been directly impacted by the government's funding cuts, and sadly, this special place, along with our incredible team of kaimahi, is one of the casualties. "The Youth Hub has been more than just a space. It's been a second home, a safe haven, and a source of connection, inspiration and growth for hundreds of young people ... We know the loss of this space is painful. The Ōtara Youth Hub has been the only daily drop-in space for youth in our area, and its absence will be deeply felt." Apulu Reece Autagavaia, chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, said the situation clearly shows how government cost-cutting affects local frontline services. "It's really unfortunate, and this is a sign of the government's cuts to social organisations, social contracts… This is what happens when we have a government that just wants to save and give money to landlords, tobacco lobbyists and oil companies," he said. "At the grassroots level, at the everyday street level, this is what happens. The good services get closed down, and this is what Ōtara people are suffering from." The local board is now seeking ways to find alternative council-owned spaces in the town centre to fill the gap left by the Youth Hub. "We need to find another place for them. The local board members are keen to look at what, within council facilities, can accommodate them," Apulu said. Manukau Ward councillor Lotu Fuli said the closure is just one example of how funding cuts affect a young community like Ōtara. She said the Youth Hub played a significant role in reaching young people who might not otherwise receive support. "Ōtara-Papatoetoe is the second youngest in terms of average age in the city, and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu is the youngest. The whole Manukau ward is the youngest in the city and possibly the country. So it's really important we have initiatives for young people, and that they feel empowered as leaders, not just of tomorrow but today. "My understanding is it's because of cuts in funding generally. We're seeing that happen across the board to pretty much every community programme and locally driven initiative in the city and the country." While the physical hub has closed, Fuli said the group still exists and may continue some activities in shared spaces like the Ōtara Kai Village. She said different organisations and groups, such as the Youth Hub and the Youth Council (TOPS), serve different segments of the youth population. "I hope that in the near future, we'll see the Ōtara Youth Hub re-establish an actual place where they can carry on their work. From what I understand, they still exist but will probably be working out of the Ōtara Kai Village space. It just means they don't have a separate hub dedicated just for young people. "Groups like TOPS really concentrate on our secondary school leaders who are probably going on to university, whereas the Youth Hub caters more to young people who are perhaps out of the school system, like our biker boys, who don't necessarily end up in tertiary education. The wider we cast our net, the better." What happens next? The honest answer is that no one knows yet. Terangi Parima, CEO of Terangi Community Builders Trust, declined to comment. The local board continues to explore what council-owned facilities could host youth services in the future. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
RNZ News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Law change prompts spike in Māori electoral roll registrations
More than 44,000 voters would be eligible to participate in the upcoming Tamaki Makaurau by-election Photo: Screenshot / Electoral Commission Thousands of voters have taken advantage of a law change allowing Māori voters to switch between the general and Māori electoral roll more frequently. Before 2023, the switch was restricted to once every 5-6 years, but it can now be done anytime, except in the three months before an election. Latest Electoral Commission figures show, since April 2023, almost 31,000 voters have switched to the Māori roll and more than 25,000 first-time voters have gone for the Māori electoral option. Fewer are moving the other way. Just over 20,000 voters of Māori descent changed to the general roll, with about 17,000 new voters picking that option. Commission chief Māori advisor Hone Matthews said more than 44,000 voters would be eligible to participate in the upcoming Tamaki Makaurau by-election. "Although a date hasn't been set yet, the government has put a by-election on notice, so the rolls have been frozen, but more than 40,000 people are eligible to cast a vote and a high proportion - around 40 percent - could be classified as rangatahi." Matthews said the law change removed a barrier for Māori voters and engagement, which had led to a boost in engagement on and offshore. "We've continued to see steady growth across all the Māori electorates and, according to our numbers at the moment, the two with the biggest jump are Te Tai Tonga and Te Tai Hauāuru," Since the law change, the number of eligible voters living overseas and registering to vote across all Māori electorates had almost doubled. Matthews said continuing to engage effectively with Maori communities was a vital priority to maintaining the momentum of voters participating in the electoral process. "We try to engage with Māori voters, using every source and every network available to get as much accurate and clear information as possible out to our communities, because the system, as a whole, can be extremely confusing, if the right guidance and support isn't available." The commission hopes to continue encouraging Māori engagement in the electoral process, highlighting the potential impact the growing Māori population could have on future elections. "Your roll choice may also influence the number of Māori electorates," Matthews said. "The number of people enrolled on the Māori roll could mean that the number of Māori electorates increases, decreases or stays the same for the 2026 General Election." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
06-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Te Waka McLeod facing Peter Moeahu for New Plymouth Māori ward
Quiet conversations and a growing Māori presence in Taranaki councils has brought progress says Te Waka McLeod. Photo: LDR / Craig Ashworth In what might be the last election for New Plymouth's Māori ward, voters will choose between a young māmā ushering in the next generation and an experienced campaigner wanting land returned. Three years ago Te Waka McLeod won Te Purutanga Mauri Pūmanawa ward and on Friday confirmed she would stand again. She faces one opponent so far: kaumātua Peter Moeahu, who has been active in council chambers for decades. More may stand before the four week cut-off but candidates are competing for an uncertain prize. Like almost all Māori wards, New Plymouth District Council's newest seat might be pulled from under the victor after three years, via a government-ordered referendum at October's election. McLeod said the threat steeled her determination that the coming generation will know they belong in local government. "Māori faces at the table are vital so rangatahi can imagine themselves sitting there." "If Māori wards are voted down I worry people might forget how deeply we care about how our communities are run, how all our people and places are cared for." Te Waka McLeod wants the next generation including her son Kahukura to know they belong in local government. Photo: LDR / Craig Ashworth During her first term "quiet conversations and gentle educating" had brought progress, as had Taranaki's iwi liaison committees, other committees with tangata whenua representatives, and Māori staff. "Everybody in the room sees how useful it is." "Non-Māori councillors, staff and voters no longer have to guess what we're trying to achieve together with them." McLeod had a baby in office and wanted to show young parents - especially mums - they could be involved. "I don't need to be the loudest voice in the room. I work on kaupapa aligned with my values and my people and that's how change happens." Peter Moeahu has been a voice for Māori in council chambers for decades. Photo: LDR / Craig Ashworth Peter Moeahu often has had the loudest voice in the room. Across the reigns of five New Plymouth mayors he has stood up for mana whenua in Taranaki's council chambers. He sits on Taranaki Regional Council's Policy and Planning Committee and South Taranaki District Council's Te Kāhui Matauraura. Moeahu said several New Plymouth councillors who had become experienced with iwi and hapū aspirations are stepping down, leaving him worried about candidates from right-wing ratepayer groups and the Act Party. "That's why I'm throwing my hat in the ring," he said. "If this is the last term for the Māori ward I want to be there and face up to whoever they chuck at us." Moeahu wants a specific win: the return of land taken from Puketapu hapū in 1968, with no record of compensation. His grandfather Pehimana Tamati helped established a trust for Mangati E Māori Reserve. A year ago Peter Moeahu brought his great-grandchildren Te Kerei Rangimaia Edwards and Ohia Whatitiri to South Taranaki's Te Kāhui Matauraura, to get the mokopuna used to the council table. Photo: LDR / Craig Ashworth "Three years later, the county council just took the land. Just took it under the Public Works Act." Earmarked for sewerage works, nothing happened beyond the digging of two oxidation ponds Moeahu believes were never used. New Plymouth District Council inherited control and Mangati E is part of Bell Block's Hickford Park and the coastal walkway. In 2022 Moeahu asked for Puketapu's land back , but councillors halted progress to investigate how to deal with the range of Māori land it governs. "There are Māori reserves all around New Plymouth that were set aside for us to live on, for us to prosper on - and they're no longer in our hands," Moeahu said. He wants Mangati back as a priority and precedent. Mangati E block was taken for sewerage works but only oxidation ponds were dug - and likely never used. Photo: LDR / Craig Ashworth "I want to see the finalisation of this piece of land, Mangati E, in my lifetime so we don't leave the situation for the next generation." National's coalition deals with NZ First and Act promise referendums for wards elected by voters on the Māori roll. No other type of ward can be voted down. If voters ditch Te Purutanga Mauri Pūmanawa it cannot be resurrected for six years. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ on Air
RNZ News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Youth MPs accuse government of censoring them
politics youth about 1 hour ago Youth MPs are accusing the government of censoring them over changes to their speeches in Parliament. The 11th Youth Parliament is underway, drawing young people from all over the country to Wellington to debate and speak about what matters most to them. Some rangatahi say they were told to avoid criticising the current government, and feel let down by the process. But organisers insist the changes are just recommendations and suggestions. Giles Dexter reports.
RNZ News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Rangatahi use Māori speech competition Ngā Manu Kōrero to tackle big issues
Rangatahi are feeding their wairua through kōrero as they take the stage for Ngā Manu Kōrero - a kaupapa Māori speech competition. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Rangatahi are proving they have something to say - and the courage to say it - as they take the stage for Ngā Manu Kōrero, a kaupapa Māori speech competition. Ngā Manu Kōrero is regarded as "the most significant event on the Māori education calendar", allowing rangatahi to express their views, lay down their challenges and honour the "special and unique existence of being Māori", organisers say. Celebrating its 60th year, students from across the motu will compete at a regional level, eyeing for a spot to represent their rohe at nationals. Under the blanket of kotahitanga, Ngā Manu Kōrero Tāmaki ki te Waitematā, hosted at Ngā Puna o Waiōrea, brought together students from kura kaupapa Māori, kura rumaki and kura auraki, each speaking on a kaupapa they care about - from political commentary to cultural identity, language revitalisation and the legacy of colonisation. Kaea Paniora from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae, represented her kura in the Korimako section, she says what stood out to her most about the day was the unity. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Kaea Paniora from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae, represented her kura in the Korimako (Senior English) section. Her kaupapa for this years whakataetae, 'Help me find my place'. "I roto i tēnei kōwhiringa he āheinga tōku ki te kōrero mō ngā take o te wā mai i ōku tirohanga, me ngā kaupapa nui kua aupēhi i te reo Māori. "This topic allows me to talk about the big issues of the day from my perspective and the things that have repressed the Māori language." Within her speech Paniora spoke about the discrimination she faced as a young wahine Māori and the challenges of finding belonging in a system not built for her. "As a wāhine Māori, I am misrepresented, overpoliced and undervalued," she said. She pointed out harrowing statistics, outlining the disparities faced by Māori in Aotearoa. " Stats NZ say I'm likely to die 7.3 years earlier than non-Māori. Māori are 17 percent of the population, but over 50 percent are prisoners. Wāhine Māori are five times more likely to die by suicide after giving birth ." "This is the legacy of racism and colonisation, and it's everywhere. "The discrimination is real, the assumptions are damaging, and the stereotypes are perpetuated through every corner of society. They are in my face every day, and it seems like there is little hope for what lies ahead." Paniora was among the rōpū who performed with Stan Walker at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ She also called out National MP Chris Bishop for his reaction to Stan Walkers performance at the Aotearoa Music Awards earlier this year. Paniora was one of the many rangatahi who performed alongside Stan. "He sat alcohol-in-hand, looking down at us, judging, stereotyping a group of young Māori, future leaders of our hapū and iwi. How dare he judge me, judge us, judge my people, my ancestors," she said. "This vitriol from someone elected to make decisions about my future helped me find my place." Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae students Kaea Paniora (right) and Rereaio Kahi (left). Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Offstage, Paniora said what stood out most to her about the day was the unity. "We have kura kaupapa, kura rumaki, kura auraki - all together in one place. So kids like me can showcase our skills to the rohe, to Tāmaki Makaurau, and some will be lucky to represent our schools at nationals." Also competing was Te Au Āio Ani Mereti, a senior student from St Mary's College, who delivered her kōrero in the Pei Te Hurinui Jones (Senior Māori) section. "My kaupapa was Mā taku ahurea tōku wairua e puāwai - through my culture my spirit can flourish," she said. She spoke about all of the things that feed her wairua, like kapa haka. "It's just something that was personal to me coming from a Kura Auraki. It was important for me to talk about that and encourage our whānau to kia kaha te ako i ngā āhuatanga o te ahurea." Te Au Āio Ani Mereti (bottom-centre) a senior student from St Mary's College, delivered her kōrero in the Pei Te Hurinui Jones (Senior Māori) section. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Mereti said kaupapa Māori spaces like Ngā Manu Kōrero were crucial for rangatahi. "It's sometimes hard when there are adults around for rangatahi to feel like they can say something. This is a space made for us - to actually have a kōrero and talk about our ideas. "It's important to us because we are the future." She also responded to adults who claim rangatahi weren't politically aware. "If anyone is saying we don't care - kei te hē rātou. We're here speaking about these kaupapa. We are the ones speaking up. Even at the hīkoi, it was rangatahi at the front." She said it was "obvious" for rangatahi to care about political issues, because it was their future. "Our kaumātua are here to teach us. And at one point it's going to be us who are the kaumātua. So, we want our mokopuna and our future to look bright." Waiheke Kahi (Ngāti Porou, Waikato, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whakaue) junior student at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Waiheke Kahi also took to the stage for Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae but in the Te Rāwhiti Ihaka (Junior Māori) section. "Ki āku whakaaro he wahi pai tēnei mea te Manu Kōrero. E torutoru noa ngā papa tūwaewae mō ngā rangatahi Māori i tēnei ao, ko te Manu Kōrero tētahi." Kahi spoke on the kaupapa 'Ka maumahara tonu tātau ki a rātou', honouring those who came before him. "I think Manu Kōrero is a great place. There are very few stages for young Māori in this world, and Manu Kōrero is one of them," he said. Te Au Āio Ani Mereti alongside a contingent of supporters from St Marys College. Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Looking ahead to Matariki, all three students said it was a time to be with whānau, reflect and keep traditions alive. "Matariki is just time for whānau, time for kai," Mereti said. "It's one of the first indigenous celebrations in Aotearoa, so it's important we celebrate who we are and where we come from." Paniora said they hoped for the new year was to "keep on striving." "No matter how much the government is suppressing us at the moment, no matter the oppression, no matter the hate from those in power - keep striving, Māori mā. He waka eke noa." Under the blanket of kotahitanga, Ngā Manu Kōrero Tāmaki ki te Waitematā brought together rangatahi from kura kaupapa Māori, kura rumaki and kura auraki, each speaking on a kaupapa they care about - from political commentary to cultural identity, Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ Ngā Manu Kōrero Nationals will be held in September in Whanganui, hosted by Whanganui me Taranaki rohe. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
