Ana Apatu: First hui enlightens collective

Ana Apatu.

Today finally is our first community hui for our Takitimu Ora Whanau Ora Collective. Members of our collective include Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, Waimarma, Whakatu Communities and Te Wanaga Whare Tapere. U-Turn is hosting our workshop at Te Aranga Marae.

Our vision is to have safe engaged youth. Our aim is to target those young people 15-19 who are not engaged in employment education or training. More and more, funders are focused on contracting arrangements that deliver outcomes.

Recognising we can't do it on our own, we welcome the opportunity to work with providers in our region who are focused on achieving outcomes for young people. By working together we aim to ensure our rangatahi (youth) have access to the range of services required to be safe, confident and engaged.

We reflect on the feedback we have already received. Rangatahi have told us to inspire and be innovative, that whatever we do must be long term, co-ordinated and most importantly help with reconnecting with culture.

Local service providers highlight the need to use technology and coordinate delivery with partners to ensure our young people do not drop off our pathway. This time round we are here to workshop to develop a pathway - a pathway where we can engage those young people and put all the support needed to transition young people into education, training or employment.

"Should we have a powhiri," I am asked, and I feel myself hesitate. Haven't we already formally welcomed those at our Takitimu launch. However, Bayden Barber quite rightly reminds me we need to be setting the example right from the start about cultural connectedness. Of course he is absolutely right, there is lots of overwhelming evidence that support the theory that if our rangatahi know where they are from they are likely to be more resilient.

The Powhiri conducted by Te Whare Tapere was exceptional - setting the scene from the start. In fact as I write this I feel as if I need to publicly acknowledge this group. A 10-minute performance by their dance company Kahurangi Maori Dance Company was moving and incredibly polished. At the end Ellison Huata ask the troupe who of these young performers are from Flaxmere - the majority put up their hands, who had travelled to the US to perform - again most put up their hands. Offering certificate diploma and degree courses in performing arts here in Hawke's Bay. Internationally recognised. Ellison also announces Te Wanaga Whare Tapere o Takitimu are offering 30 scholarship positions for Takitimu Ora. We also learn this organisation is 33 years old and originally the late Tama Huata enrolled street kids. Incredible vision and incredible talent.

Finally, because this is all about young people I am so grateful for those young people that came and provided their honest and frank feedback to the group. It is very easy for us as adults to propose and plan without our young people guiding us and providing us with their input. With skilled facilitation by Tahi Tait and Jody Hamilton - we get caught up in the mood with how we can collectively contribute.

The day ends on a high, and with good kai from Caf Alfalfa - an important ingredient to working with young people! We still have work to do to formalise pathways but there feels as if there is a desire to work together.

- Ana Apatu is chief executive of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere.