Te Kāhui Rangatahi – Rangatahi Invited to join Te Kāwai Toro

Ko ngā rangatahi ngā rangatira mō āpōpō
 Youth today are the leaders of tomorrow

Last year, Te Kāwai Toro (TKT), a sub-committee of the J R McKenzie Trust, introduced the idea of having a rangatahi  group work with the committee to provide a space for rangatahi to have a voice based on their unique perspectives. From this, Te Kāhui Rangatahi was established.

Currently, Te Kāhui Rangatahi is comprised of three exceptional rangatahi each focused on learning more about how the work of Te Kāwai Toro can serve not just Māori enterprise and initiatives, but how it also works with rangatahi Māori across Aotearoa.

Te Kāhui Rangatahi attends all TKT Committee Hui and are encouraged to add their viewpoints and perspective as rangatahi Māori on the issues that TKT is involved with – across a variety of areas including environmental challenges, healthcare, education, and kaupapa rangatahi initiative.

We proudly introduce you to the members of Te Kāhui Rangatahi – Kia ora!

Te Kāhui Rangatahi

Kahuroa Brown

Kahuroa Brown is a 20-year-old student from the East Coast, with his whānau coming from Ōpōtiki and Wairau. Currently residing in Dunedin, Kahuroa is in his 3rd year of studying towards a business and Māori degree at The University of Otago.

Kahuroa’s passions lie within healthcare – he is striving to work in that sector when he completes his university studies and aspires to open his own gym one day. This interest fuels Kahuroa’s involvement in the advisory group, as he hopes to bring rangatahi healthcare issues to the forefront.

“I just want to help people, rangatahi or not, this programme is giving me the direct opportunity to go out and support mahi that I see potential in – that’s one of the greatest gifts.”

“It’s an honour being a part of this initiative. I hope that alongside my peers, I can create meaningful changes for the rangatahi of New Zealand.”

A name you may come accustomed to hearing, Kahuroa plans to continue working alongside Te Kāwai Toro for years to come.

Tiara Hammond

Tiara Hammond is a motivated rangatahi wāhine involved with Te Kāhui Rangatahi. Her whānau hails from Te Wairoa but she has juggled between Waikato and Wellington during her schooling years. Currently, Tiara is studying in her third and final year at Waikato University – here, she is working towards a degree in Environmental Planning. Impressively, Tiara is a part of the Waikato student union board, and the president of Te Rōpū Manukura – a select committee of kaitiaki to uphold the Treaty of Waitangi for the University.

Tiara chose to pursue a degree in this field to nurture her passion for the environment – she is involved with Te Kāhui Rangatahi as she is passionate about environmental challenges that will impact rangatahi the most.

“Te Kāwai Toro is giving us rangatahi a chance to make a difference, I don’t think this happens in many other places. Being able to see strong Māori leaders at work is inspiring, and we’re all learning invaluable lessons.”

“Everyone  tells us ‘you’re the future’ but never guide us in how to plan for it, that’s what makes this programme as important as it is – we have voices of Māori leaders at our sides.”

Ryan Campbell

Ryan Campbell is a proud Hamiltonian. After 18 years in this city, Ryan became accustomed to the Hamilton lifestyle, but his growing enthusiasm for healthcare saw him on a direct plane to medical school at Otago university. Currently in his third year, and gearing up for placements in hospital environments, Ryan is eager to put his studies to work.

“In the medical field, you often only get to patients after the damage is done, with Te Kāhui Rangatahi I have the chance to contribute to solutions for problems before they unfold. This preventative approach is so important to rangatahi wellbeing.”

“Although we’re still developing, we’ve got a whole lot to say. Rangatahi are the next generation and it’s on us to make sure we’re heard.”

Role of Te Kāhui Rangatahi

Te Kāhui Rangatahi are hoping to expand their group to include up to seven Māori rangatahi from across Aotearoa New Zealand, with the age range for new members of the rōpū to be between 17 to 23 years old. Presently, they’re looking for Māori rangatahi from all walks of life to participate in their rōpū – whether they be in university, high school, the workforce, or somewhere in between.

We can’t wait to see the mahi of Te Kāhui Rangatahi develop – be sure to check future issues of He Pito Mata for further updates as their group, role, and perspectives on issues pertaining to Te Ao Māori expand.