Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 TUIA Mayoral Rangatahi Mentoring Programme.
The programme offers young people of Māori descent throughout New Zealand the opportunity to take part in a mentoring programme facilitated by their District Mayor, which provides access to a network of young leaders.
Whakatāne Mayor Tony Bonne says he has been involved in the programme since its inception in 2011 and is looking forward to continuing his support.
“As part of my commitment to the kaupapa, I support the rangatahi to attend five hui throughout the year,” the Mayor says. “For them, this has culminated in the establishment of a new network of like-minded rangatahi across the country, most of whom were also supported by their Mayors. Since 2011, many of those I have had the privilege to work with have remained engaged and are still part of Tuia Te Here Tangata.”
The young person nominated must be:
- Of Māori descent
- Aged 18 to 25 years
- Nominated by another party (e.g. iwi, hapū, kaumatua, school, community group, agency or employer)
- An active member of their community
- Available to be interviewed on the dates listed below
- Available to attend at least four of the five hui scheduled for 2015 (dates in March, May, July, September and November to be confirmed)
- Available to attend and be part of civic engagements with the Mayor throughout the year
- Committed to undertaking a community service project over a 12-month period (approximately 100 hours)
Due to the nature of the kaupapa and the focus of the wananga held throughout the year, having knowledge and understanding of tikanga Māori and te reo would be an advantage.
Interview times
10 am – 12 pm Tuesday, 17 February
3 – 5pm Thursday, 19 February
Mayor Bonne invites anyone who knows of a rangatahi they feel would benefit from such an experience, and who meets all of the criteria above, to forward a letter of support and a copy of the nominee’s CV to him for consideration. Email Tony.Bonne@whakatane.govt.nz or post to:
Whakatāne District Council
Private Bag 1002
Whakatāne
Nominations close at 5 pm on Friday, 13 February.