Youth Engagement Hui Connects Rangatahi with Local Support Services
Article
July 2026
On Friday 17 July, Ngāti Porou Oranga Youth Services welcomed rangatahi and community partners to Te Tini o Porou in Paikea for a Youth Engagement Hui designed to strengthen connections between young people and the support services available throughout Tairāwhiti.
The hui opened with a warm welcome and karakia led by Matua Kahu Ripia, setting the tone for a positive, collaborative, and engaging day.
Designed and co-facilitated by former young māmā and rangatahi who have previously participated in Ngāti Porou Oranga Youth Services, the event showcased the value of lived experience and peer leadership. Their involvement helped create a welcoming environment where participants felt comfortable engaging with local services while seeing first-hand the positive journeys of those who had once stood in their shoes.
A range of local agencies took part, each delivering a two-minute presentation introducing the support they provide to rangatahi and whānau. Participating organisations included Te Hiringa Matua, Ngāti Porou Oranga Housing, EIT, Atawhai, Matapuna, and Te Whatu Ora.
Together, they shared information about services supporting education, employment, housing, parenting, budgeting, health, and wellbeing, while also explaining how they help whānau meet Ministry of Social Development education, employment, and parenting obligations.
The day was designed to be interactive from the outset. Participants kicked off the event with the Trail Blazer Challenge, created by Krystal Peachy, an energetic icebreaker that encouraged rangatahi to get out of their seats, meet new people, and engage with each agency. Trigger words were incorporated throughout the presentations, encouraging active listening while reinforcing key messages in a fun and memorable way.
The agency presentations were followed by a fast-paced knowledge word game prepared by Pene Clarke and Maia Niwa, before participants took part in the "Who Are the People in Your Neighbourhood?" activity. The exercise increased awareness of the many organisations and services available to support rangatahi and whānau across Tairāwhiti.
The hui delivered immediate positive results, including:
These outcomes highlight the value of bringing services together in one place and creating opportunities for rangatahi to connect directly with organisations that can support their education, employment, and wellbeing goals.
Feedback from both rangatahi and agency representatives was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on the engaging format, interactive activities, and opportunity to build genuine relationships in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Ngāti Porou Youth Services extends its sincere appreciation to Ngāti Growth for generously donating participant packs, helping make the day both enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
By empowering former participants to help lead the kaupapa and bringing together a wide network of community partners, the Youth Engagement Hui demonstrated the strength of collaboration and the positive impact it can have in supporting rangatahi to thrive.
Ngāti Porou Youth Services extends its sincere appreciation to Ngāti Growth for generously donating participant packs, helping make the day even more enjoyable for everyone involved.
We also acknowledge the Communications & Marketing Team for capturing our kaupapa through photography and storytelling. Your work helps showcase the impact of Youth Services, ensuring these moments are celebrated, remembered, and shared with our wider community.
Thank you for helping make the day a memorable experience for all involved.
