Over 140 students representing 22 Schools from across the Waiariki Region joined us in Taneātua for this year’s Leadership Summit.
Rangatahi listened to 4 amazing leaders in their own field speak about their journeys, experiences and their passion that drives their mahi. This year’s theme was framed around the different facets of sustainability through a Māori world view including Te Taiao – The Natural World, Te Ao Torangapū – The political realm, Te Ao Hangarau – Technology and Te Auahatanga – Innovation/ Creativity
Our guest speakers this year were:
Speakers presented a wero/challenge they face within their world for rangatahi to solve. Guest speaker Waimirirangi Ormsby, who runs the Pipiri ki a Papatūānuku Programme said "I'm always excited to work with our younger siblings, and my mates. The values that I see in our future is the desire, that hunger to pursue some systems, perhaps some solutions, some remedies for our environment and for our people."
After listening to kōrero and hearing some of the experiences and challenges from the speakers, rangatahi were split up into groups and given problem statements to solve using a Design thinking approach they just learnt from the Kia Mau Team. This methodology draws on the attributes of Māui to unlock a solution.
Groups battled off against each other to secure a place in the finals. Four groups stood to present their idea back to everyone based on the problem statements that were created. This gave rangatahi the opportunity to have a go, learn by doing and step up for themselves and their team.
Ariana Poihipi-Black, from Te Wharekura o Mauao, says, "It's great because Ruatoki is my world so, to experience this, my mind goes beyond and I know the ins and outs of the political world, it's been good - these initiatives are good for us young people, for the world of young people."
