Not-for-profit organisation Nōna Te Ao was created to support rangatahi māori to be self-determining, make informed decisions about their future, and thrive in their chosen pathways, while bridging educational gaps for tauira māori and rural secondary school students.
Trust Tairāwhiti provided a $100k grant towards the organisation’s Nōna Te Ao Pathways Programme and Loose Change initiative. Both are designed to nurture ngā rangatira mō āpōpō (future leaders) and respond to the challenges faced by rural kura and their tauira.
The Nōna Te Ao Pathways Programme supports māori learners to explore vocational training and education that leads to meaningful employment. It has already improved student retention and NCEA achievement across nine Tairāwhiti kura.
An annual one-week wānanga is held outside the region as part of the programme, inviting rangatahi to explore future possibilities. The kaupapa encourages openness to change and connection with whānau from Tairāwhiti who are pursuing diverse careers.
“We’ve had students who’ve found their pathway through the Nōna Te Ao Pathways Programme. Many have gone to Victoria University, which is a direct result of this programme,” says Tolaga Bay Area School’s Deputy Principal, Kirstin Wilson-Moore.
An alumni ahikā initiative continues to support rangatahi post-school, through regular check-ins and tautoko from Nōna Te Ao kaimahi.
Nōna Te Ao partnered with the complementary Loose Change programme in 2023 to support rangatahi māori through sport, helping them build confidence, wellbeing, and leadership skills.
The Loose Change kaupapa promotes mental health and wellbeing through sport, which resonates with rangatahi.
In 2024, Loose Change was delivered to 150 rangatahi across the region. The programme focuses on four areas: physical well-being, mental health, resilience, and empowerment.
Founder Kouma Samson began Loose Change in his own time before and after work, training rangatahi at the local rugby grounds.
“I feel very privileged to be able to pursue this passion of supporting and mentoring our rangatahi to be the best versions of themselves in every way,” he says.
This year, Nōna Te Ao has expanded its reach to ten schools across Tairāwhiti, continuing to help rangatahi make informed decisions, build leadership capability, and remain connected to their whānau, hapori and rohe.
“We’re really grateful to Trust Tairāwhiti for funding the programme and continuing it in the region for our whānau in those hard-to-reach places. It’s having a positive impact that will only grow,” says Jess Wood-Waikari, Chief Financial Officer of Nōna Te Ao.
