Maruata Ngarewa

An innovative initiative known as “Te Aho Poutiaki” has been launched under the umbrella of the Toi Foundation. In this pioneering endeavour, a collective of young individuals from Patea have united their efforts to pioneer a grant allocation process. Through this process, we have been able to channel funds, totalling up to $50,000, towards taiohi-driven projects that have communal benefits. The benefits of this initiative has been substantial, casting a profound impact on the community. This successful model is now ready for replication across communities within Taranaki with high levels of deprivation.

While the opportunities afforded by Te Aho Poutiaki have proven immensely advantageous to numerous rangatahi-related projects, there is a critical nuance to consider. The initiative, rooted in financial support, is influential only as long as the monetary resource of $50,000. Once these funds have been used, the initiative itself encounters a standstill, along with the influence that the youth have in steering community development for their communities. This project steps forth with a proposition: leveraging this platform as a perpetual spring of funding. The goal is to create sustainable financial resources through strategic partnerships.

The blueprint involves the establishment of a core rōpū from each identified community across the region, strengthening connections, and pooling resources to establish sustainable funds. This group will also strengthen operational mechanisms. This movement is not just about momentary flashes of progress; it is underpinned by a profound purpose to engender lasting momentum. Through strategic succession planning, the initiative strives to cultivate a continuous pipeline of emerging young leaders, passionate about serving their communities, and poised to shape the landscape of the next generation.

What were the major outcomes of this kaupapa? 

Since receiving the initial funding, our project has made significant progress. The Toi Foundation has contributed an additional $30,000, showing their confidence in our work. There are now also plans to expand the project to another area in South Taranaki with high equity needs. These steps forward demonstrate the commitment to empowering young people and making a real difference in our communities.

The key outcomes of our project were closely aligned with our objectives, showcasing the effectiveness of our efforts. Firstly, we successfully allocated funds totaling $80,000 towards youth-driven projects, fostering tangible improvements in our community. Secondly, the expansion of our initiative into another area with high equity needs demonstrated scalability and impact. Thirdly, the establishment of sustainable funding mechanisms through strategic partnerships ensured the longevity of our project’s impact beyond the initial grant. Lastly, our project facilitated the emergence of a continuous pipeline of young leaders passionate about serving their communities, fulfilling our goal of nurturing future change-makers.

What were some of the challenges your kaupapa faced during its implementation?

During our project’s implementation, we faced various challenges, including limited resources, ensuring equitable access, and sustaining long-term engagement. Despite initial funding, we often found ourselves stretched thin, managing ambitious goals with limited resources. Sustaining momentum and engagement required ongoing effort. However, we remained resilient, finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles, and learning valuable lessons that strengthened our commitment to creating positive change in our community.

How did this kaupapa benefit from the Pou Herenga Tangata Award? 

With this support, I was able to fully engage as a facilitator/Tuakana for our rōpū, contributing effectively to our group’s activities and objectives. This enabled me to actively participate in decision-making processes, provide guidance and mentorship to other members, and ensure the smooth operation of our initiative. Ultimately, the funding allowed me to maximise my impact and contribution to the success of our project.

What are your future plans for this kaupapa?

We are committed to continuing this project going forward, driven by our aspirations for its future impact and success. Our hopes and dreams for this kaupapa are manifold. Firstly, we aim to expand the reach and scope of our initiative, extending its benefits to even more communities in need across Taranaki and beyond. We envision building upon our current successes to establish a sustainable model that empowers young leaders and fosters positive change for generations to come. Additionally, we aspire to deepen our impact by forging stronger partnerships, enhancing community engagement, and addressing systemic issues of inequality and injustice.