Council calls for expressions of interest from rangatahi for Tuia program

Buller District Council Mayor Jamie Cleine is calling for expressions of interest for the 2024 Tuia programme. The Tuia programme invites Mayor’s across the country to select a rangatahi candidate to participate and take part in a mutually beneficial journey.

Last year's candidate, Maddox Manawatu, was born in Taumarunui on the North Island and started his Tuia journey at a wananga in Tuia i Runga (Waikato) in early 2023.

Tuia youth leadership programme brings together young Māori, 18 – 25 years old, from across Aotearoa/New Zealand - connecting passions, aspirations, and dreams of rangatahi to serve our communities well.

The youth leadership programme seeks to weave people together so that their collective contribution positively impacts communities.

Mayor Cleine says: “I was impressed by Maddox’s enthusiasm to participate in the program. The programme provides a great learning and development opportunity for rangatahi, who would like to participate in next year's program.”

The programme applies an intergenerational approach to develop and enhance how rangatahi Māori contribute to communities.

Mayor Cleine says: “We have been involved in the programme for four years now, and I see this as an opportunity to grow and support the leadership of rangatahi in our district as well as  strengthening the cultural focus in Kawatiri."

During the Tuia journey, candidates will do 100 hours of community service and attend five wananga with other Tuia participants – to build networks and obtain support and exposure to diversity.

Rangatahi in Buller who are 18 – 25 years old can submit their expressions of interest until 30 January 2024. The expression of interest should have a maximum of 300 words, include a brief bio and outline the rangatahi’s motivation and aspiration for participating in the program. Expressions of interest or questions should be sent to Jamie.cleine@bdc.govt.nz.

The Tuia program is an initiative under the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ), which is a nationwide network of New Zealand's Mayors working together towards the vision of all young people 16-25 engaged in employment, education, training, or other positive activity in their communities.

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For more information, please contact:
Mayor Jamie Cleine
Jamie.cleine@bdc.govt.nz